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Gavin Newsom says Democrats have a \u201cbreak-the-glass\u201d backup plan if they get shut out of California\u2019s 2026 gubernatorial election. The article claims the state\u2019s jungle primary system-where the top two vote-getters advance nonetheless of party-typically favors Democrats by keeping Republicans from reaching the general election, but rising Republican support has led Newsom to worry.<\/p>\n

It also cites alleged fraud concerns involving California\u2019s programs, and references a U.S. Vice President-led anti-fraud task force<\/a><\/a> that reportedly announced withholding or deferring Medicaid reimbursements. Recent polling for the 2026 race is described as volatile, with Xavier Becerra leading in one Emerson College survey and Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer close behind, while Chad Bianco trails. the piece notes that accusations of sexual assault and rape against former congressman Eric Swalwell have shifted campaign momentum, and concludes that Californians want political change ahead of the primary and general elections. <\/p>\n