The race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California's governor is heating up, with a growing number of Democratic candidates entering the fray. Political operatives are surprised by the wide-open nature of the contest. "This is as wide open as I've ever seen anything in 25 years," said Steven Maviglio, a Democratic strategist based in Sacramento.

Candidates face the challenge of addressing California's cost-of-living crisis while filling the significant leadership role Newsom will leave behind. Last week, Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his campaign on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He emphasized that California "needs a fighter and a protector." Billionaire Tom Steyer, known for his environmental advocacy, declared his candidacy the day before. A spokesperson for Steyer stated, "Everyone in this race is going to talk about affordability, but what Californians care about is results. Tom has a record of getting things done for California."

Swalwell and Steyer join a crowded field that includes former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Villaraigosa highlighted his accomplishments, stating, "I am a proven problem solver. As the Speaker of the California Assembly, I extended affordable health care to millions of children and passed the toughest assault weapons ban in America."

Other notable candidates include former Rep. Katie Porter and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. A spokesperson for Becerra noted, "Secretary Becerra is the only candidate in this race to take on the Trump Administration and win, suing 122 times to protect Californians as Attorney General."

Despite the number of candidates, no one has emerged as a clear front-runner, indicating instability in the race. "It's one of the most consequential races in the entire country that nobody's ever heard of yet," said Democratic strategist Danielle Cendejas. Matt Rodriguez, another strategist, described the field as historically weak, suggesting that the crowded Democratic primary could benefit Republican candidates.

California's "jungle" primary system allows the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election. Rodriguez warned that a split Democratic vote could allow a Republican to secure a spot in the runoff. Maviglio noted that while it is possible for two Republicans to make it to the general election, it is not likely.

Currently, two major Republican candidates are in the race: former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Hilton's campaign manager stated, "A crowded Democratic field means those candidates will spend months fighting each other while Steve Hilton is focused on changing it." Bianco is positioning himself as tough on crime, with a spokesperson claiming, "Sheriff Bianco offers a new way forward."

The race remains unsettled, with potential candidates still considering entry. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla both opted out of running, while other politicians like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former state Senate leader Toni Atkins briefly entered the race before withdrawing.

Billionaire Rick Caruso, who lost the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race, is also rumored to be considering a run. However, his past as a Republican could alienate progressive voters. Self-funding candidates have historically struggled in California, according to Rodriguez.

Katie Porter, initially seen as a front-runner, has faced recent controversies that may have impacted her standing. After a viral video showed her having a contentious interaction with a journalist, she apologized, stating, "I want people to know that I understand that what I did was not good."

As the race progresses, candidates will need to define themselves as capable leaders who can confront national issues, particularly those related to former President Donald Trump. Rodriguez believes that Trump's influence will be significant in the campaign, stating, "Everything is going to be Trump."