With time running out for the final contenders in the high-stakes California gubernatorial race, backing from four political power brokers could make all the difference.
All the mudslinging debates and the millions of dollars spent on attack ads might not matter for the six – yes, six – Democratic candidates still vying to be the top official in this bellwether blue state.
As ballots arrive in the mail and the final debate airs on May 14, some seasoned political analysts think the Democratic primary candidate might be determined not by quick polls, union endorsements, or social media influencer posts, but by which gets the old-school backing of certain political heavyweights.
These endorsements still matter in California, experts say, as they provide cues for voters, especially for those still undecided. Those big backers include House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi, possibly former Vice President Kamala Harris, and, in case of an emergency, Gov. Gavin Newsom.
"If there’s ever a time for the Democrats to bring out some of these big names in American politics, it’s now," said Brian Sobel, a veteran political analyst in the San Francisco Bay Area. "It remains such a crowded race."
