California Governor Race: High Stakes, Tight Pack

On March 24, California's governor race is heating up in a state that's long been a democratic stronghold.

Governor Gavin Newsom can't seek a third term, so the open primary on June 2nd will send the top two finishers straight to November's general.

Election, no matter their party. That setup has Democrats sweating over the chance that two Republicans could advance and shut them out entirely.

polls right now show a tight pack at the top with Republican Steve Hilton, a former British aide and Fox News host and Riverside County Sheriff Chad, Biankel, leading alongside Democrats, Eric Swahwell, Katie Porter, and billionaire Tom Steyer.

Those five plus San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan face off in a key debate tonight starting at 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Democrats are on edge in a state that hasn't backed a Republican for president since 1988. The party chair recently called on lower polling candidates to bow out, calling a two Republican finale unlikely, but possible.

Strategists say no one has pulled ahead yet, making this debate crucial with voters still undecided. The candidates bring big resumes.

Swahwell and Steyer both ran for president before, Porter grilled CEOs in Congress, and the Republicans are hammering crime and taxes while backing.

Donald Trump, Biankel stirred things up by seizing over half a million ballots in his county over alleged election issues, though the Secretary of State dismissed it as baseless.

With California's nearly $4 trillion economy ranking fourth worldwide, and its role in pushing progressive policies nationwide, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Two months out from the primary, expect a race to shift fast as voters tune in.