California Democratic leaders conduct behind-the-scenes organizing in the 2024 governor's race primary

California Democratic officials including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are engaged in coordinated behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent Republicans from advancing to the general election in the state's top-two primary system. Xavier Becerra has emerged as a leading Democratic candidate and is using campaign website messaging that some observers characterize as signaling to independent expenditure committees. Multiple outlets report on the dynamics of the crowded Democratic field ahead of the June 2 primary election.