In Deep-Blue California, Two Republicans Lead the Governor’s Race

Californians haven’t elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. But in this year’s race, opinion polls are suggesting the unthinkable for Democrats: a potential two-man showdown in November in which both candidates are from the GOP.

Under the state’s electoral rules, only the top two finishers in the June 2 primary appear on the general election ballot, regardless of party. The leaders in two recent polls were Republicans, former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.