Most people think of California as the home of Hollywood liberals, neglecting to acknowledge its many rural and more conservative areas.
Despite its modern reputation as a Democratic state, the world’s fourth-largest economy has actually had more Republican governors. Without a clear Democratic front-runner for the current election cycle, Republican candidates have an opening.
Tonight, CNN is hosting a California gubernatorial debate to give the crowded candidate field a chance to make their case.
Even those outside the state will be tuning in to see what trends might impact the larger midterm congressional elections later this year. Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
How does the California gubernatorial election process work?
Since 2012 and Proposition 14, the California governor’s election has utilized an open primary.
This puts all candidates, regardless of political party, into the same pool. The two candidates with the most votes in the June 2 primary will face off in the November election. This means it is possible to have two Republicans or two Democrats going head-to-head.
How many candidates are on the ballot?
There are 61 candidates on the ballot for the primary election. Because of such a large number, not all of them can be serious contenders. Some are symbolic, and some have already withdrawn.
