Party divisions persist past primary on both sides

The California primary is (mostly) over. Even though California will keep counting ballots for a month, some dynamics are already clear.  But some things aren’t over, even when the results are in.Here are four things that will persist.1.

California Democrats are dividedDemocrats in California are not a happy political bunch these days. To the contrary, they are divided and growing disenchanted.Recall that the last four elections for governor were a foregone conclusion among Democrats.In both 2018 and 2022, Gavin Newsom breezed to victory in the June primary and November election. He faced no serious challenger among the Democrats. Prior to that, in 2010 and 2014, Democrat Jerry Brown also was the overwhelming choice of Democrats, including winning over 84% of Democrat voters in the 2010 Democrat-only primary.Thus, it has been 20 years since the Democrats had a true contest as to who they want for governor. This cycle, it was a revolving door of candidates who once claimed the lead, including Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell –– both of whose careers are likely over.Tuesday’s results demonstrated that no single candidate was ever the front-runner, let alone a forgone conclusion. 2.California voters aren’t happy with the new, more radical DemocratsThe Democrats are not as popular as they once were in California.  According to pollster John McLaughlin, a “majority of voters, 56%, said California is on the wrong track.”  That cannot be surprising, given the mounting problems of crime, homelessness, affordability, insurance rates, and on and on.The Democrats’ leading politicians are not favored either.Gavin Newsom, who is more intent on fighting President Donald Trump than on fixing crime or homelessness in California, finds his approval ratings underwater.   California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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