Whiteboards And Freebies: California Gubernatorial Democrats Struggle To Impress Voters

California Democrats gathered over the weekend for their 2026 state convention, where gubernatorial candidates vied for a party endorsement. None of them, however, secured a majority of the support to be the leading candidate.

Democratic candidates in the state have struggled to gain traction among voters, with at least nine top party members running for governor. Concerns have risen within the party about the possibility of the top two Republican candidates advancing through the jungle primary and onto the general election ballot. Many in the group hoped for an endorsement from delegates.

Democrats convened in San Francisco on Saturday to hear from candidates outlining their platforms and policies. Former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter delivered a speech and, at one point, held up her infamous whiteboard with “Fuck Trump” written on it. Several other candidates also criticized President Donald Trump.

Gubernatorial candidate and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was unable to speak from the podium because he entered the race late, told Nexstar California Capitol Reporter Eytan Wallace that candidates should not compete to prove who hates Trump the most.

“We should be fighting to make life better for middle class and working families,” Mahan told Wallace.

Candidates made other apparent efforts to win over delegates. Billionaire Tom Steyer offered free lunch, with video footage showing a lengthy line for the meal. Despite the appeals to delegates, no candidate reached the 60% threshold required for the party’s endorsement.

On Sunday, results