Joy Reid criticized California Democrats for inadequate vetting of gubernatorial candidates, warning that two Republicans have surged while Democratic readiness remains in doubt. She highlighted California’s 54 Electoral College votes and argued the state is critical to Democratic presidential prospects. Reid also raised concerns about the timing and handling of opposition research and called on party operatives to explain their strategy.
Joy Reid Blasts California Democrats for Poor Vetting as GOP Leads Governor’s Race
Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, left, and business leader Steve Hilton, both Republicans, were ranked the top two California gubernatorial candidates in a recent poll by Berkeley IGS.(Getty Images)
Former MSNBC host Joy Reid criticized California Democrats on The Joy Reid Show, arguing that party operatives failed to properly vet the field of gubernatorial hopefuls. She warned that two Republican contenders have risen to the top of the race while unanswered questions about Democratic preparedness threaten the party’s national prospects.
Reid Frames the Stakes
Reid emphasized California’s outsized role in presidential politics, noting the state’s 54 Electoral College votes and stressing that missteps there could imperil future Democratic presidential bids. "You cannot become president as a Democrat without California," she said, arguing the state is essential to the party’s electoral math.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for California governor, joins Kate Monroe, an advocate for veterans, on a tour of Skid Row in Los Angeles Jan. 6, 2026.
Questions About Vetting and Strategy
Turning to party strategy, Reid directly questioned whether Democrats had a functioning opposition-research operation to identify weaknesses in their own field. She asked, "Do y'all not have an oppo research arm inside of the Democratic Governor’s Association?" and criticized the party for allowing what she described as "flawed" candidates to advance in the primary.
"If you let California fall into the hands of somebody who we can’t guarantee would run a free and fair election in the state of California... that would be on you if 2028 is cooked," Reid said, calling out the perceived lack of basic vetting around figures such as Eric Swalwell.
Timing and Opposition Research
Reid said she learned that opponents were preparing substantial opposition research on certain Democratic candidates, but that material had not yet been released publicly. She expressed concern that political opponents planned to time those disclosures to maximize damage near the primary, and challenged Democrats to explain their plan to respond.
Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is surging in recent California gubernatorial polls, accused Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats of having a "sick and twisted love affair with criminals."
National Implications
Reid drew a parallel between California’s importance to Democrats and Texas’s importance to Republicans, saying losing either state could make a presidential victory far less likely for the affected party. She urged Democratic operatives to be more proactive about vetting, leakage, and damage control.
Media Note: Fox News Digital reached out to the California Democratic Party for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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