Jon Stewart warned California Democrats may hand Republicans a path to power by splitting their own vote in a crowded governor’s race.
The late-night host raised alarms during a conversation with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, pointing to the state’s unusual primary system as a potential political trap.
California does not separate candidates by party in its primary elections, meaning all contenders compete on the same ballot regardless of affiliation.
That structure can produce two candidates from the same party in the general election, a scenario Stewart suggested could backfire for Democrats this cycle.
“So there are like, two or three Republicans running and like, eight or nine or 10 or 11, or 20 Democrats?” Stewart asked.
“It’s a great plan, and it so smacks of the Democratic Party to split the vote into such fractious fiefdoms that the only two people standing are the two Republicans,” he added. “So smart, so typical!”
The warning comes as Democrats flood the field to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, with multiple high-profile names entering the race while Republicans remain more consolidated.
Mahan acknowledged the crowded field and suggested the current landscape reflects voter uncertainty.
“Right now, ‘undecided’ is beating everybody,” he said. That dynamic, he explained, is part of what motivated him to enter the race.
The mayor has positioned himself as a pragmatic candidate, highlighting his record in San Jose on public safety and homelessness.
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“We’ve reduced homelessness by about a third by building basic, dignified shelter, improving outreach, doing more prevention,” he said.
“We’ve hired police officers from our community, done a lot of community policing, and started to tackle quality of life, crime.”
Stewart pressed Mahan on why anyone would want the job given the state’s challenges.
“Why do you want to be Governor of California?” Stewart asked. “It is a disaster waiting to happen. It matters.”
He rattled off a list of problems, from drought conditions to natural disaster risks, questioning why a candidate would choose such a volatile political landscape.
“Why don’t you go run New Hampshire? What are you doing out there?”
The exchange underscored broader concerns about California’s direction as voters prepare to choose Newsom’s successor.
Progressive figures such as Rep. Eric Swalwell and billionaire activist Tom Steyer have emerged as early Democratic contenders.
On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and former Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco have entered the race.
With fewer Republican candidates, the risk of vote splitting among Democrats has drawn attention from observers across the political spectrum.
Hilton has leaned into that dynamic, arguing that frustration with Democratic leadership has created an opening for the GOP.
“I know people look at California and assume that it’s going to be Democrat forever,” he said. “It’s a deep blue state, but people here are sick of it. There’s a revolution brewing in California.”
He framed the race as a chance to end what he called one-party dominance in the state.
“It’s time to clean California up and I’m building a really broad movement for change,” Hilton continued. “I am very confident that we can win in November.”
Hilton has pointed to visible issues such as homelessness and crime as evidence of what he sees as policy failures.
“The homelessness crisis, by far the worst in the country. The crime that’s out of control,” he added.
He argued that deeper problems exist beneath those visible challenges, calling the state’s overall performance a failure. “It is an absolute failure on every front.”
He also criticized sanctuary policies, arguing they create frustration among residents.
“People are infuriated when they see illegal immigrants in our state getting rewarded,” he commented. “It’s an insult to regular, hardworking California taxpayers.”
Hilton has tied those concerns to a broader political argument that voters are ready for change.
“Most regular people believe that our laws should be properly enforced,” he pointed out. “That’s the majority position, I would say even in California.”
The Republican candidate has received backing from high-profile supporters, including professional golfer Phil Mickelson.
“Steve Hilton can/will save California,” Mickelson wrote in a social media post.
The endorsement marked a rare political contribution for Mickelson, who has largely stayed out of campaign politics.
Hilton welcomed the support, describing it as part of growing momentum behind his campaign.
“I’m incredibly honored to have Phil’s support,” he commented. “We’ve had some great conversations about the future of California and how much we love this state.”
As the field takes shape, Newsom remains a central figure in the state’s political landscape despite nearing the end of his term.
The governor, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, has faced criticism over issues like homelessness and crime.
President Donald Trump weighed in this week, taking aim at Newsom during remarks in the Oval Office.
“Gavin ‘Newscum’ has admitted that he has learning disabilities,” Trump said. “I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president.”
He continued his criticism by calling Newsom a “low-IQ person” and describing him as “a Cognitive Mess!” in a separate social media post.
You didn’t give a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?
Spare me your fake fucking outrage,… https://t.co/ABNZJQJLcj
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 23, 2026
Newsom pushed back against those comments, referencing past controversies involving Trump.
“You didn’t give a s— about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama,” he wrote. “But you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?”
The governor’s wife also responded, escalating the back-and-forth. She called Trump a “vile specimen” and criticized his remarks about dyslexia.
Learning differences do not determine someone’s potential, but making fun of those with them certainly does. pic.twitter.com/blyg5xvEtv
— Jennifer Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom) March 17, 2026
“Suggesting that someone with dyslexia or any learning difference is somehow less capable is extremely ignorant and offensive,” she continued.
She added that many successful leaders have dealt with similar challenges and warned about the message such comments send.