Story perspectives

Newsom Declines Endorsement, Aims to Prevent Democratic Lockout

5/11/2026

Center

Newsom Withholds Endorsement

Newsom likened his non-endorsement to former Governor Jerry Brown’s 2018 decision not to back a candidate.
No official endorsement will be made before the June 2 primary, Governor Gavin Newsom said.
He said his priority is preventing a statewide Democratic lockout under California’s top-two primary system.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator Alex Padilla also publicly earlier withheld endorsements, Newsom noted.

Left

Donors Launch Group

Democratic donors launched the independent-expenditure group Greater Golden State as an insurance policy against a Republican lockout.
Governor Gavin Newsom said he will not endorse a candidate and unveiled a program providing 400 free diapers to parents.
Bill Bloomfield gave $1 million and the Service Employees International Union $250,000 to Greater Golden State.
Steve Hilton’s communications director accused the Democratic establishment of trying to tip the race.

1 of 2

Newsom Withholds Endorsement

Newsom likened his non-endorsement to former Governor Jerry Brown’s 2018 decision not to back a candidate.
No official endorsement will be made before the June 2 primary, Governor Gavin Newsom said.
He said his priority is preventing a statewide Democratic lockout under California’s top-two primary system.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator Alex Padilla also publicly earlier withheld endorsements, Newsom noted.

1 / 2