Why do so few California mayors become governor? San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was a relatively late entry into the governor’s race but was widely expected to shake things up. The business-friendly, centrist (for California) Democrat reduced street homelessness in his city and tapped into the state’s post-pandemic retreat from criminal justice reforms. Tech billionaires like Sergey Brin and Steven Huffman, and more conventional billionaires like Rick Caruso, gave lavishly to committees backing him.

The top-two primary election law designed to encourage moderates was approved by California voters. But in most races, it ends in a conventional Democrat vs. Republican ballot, prompting complaints the 16-year-old law should be scrapped.