Jon Stewart blasts California Dems, warning their eight candidates may split vote, lead to GOP victory

Jon Stewart blasted California Democrats Monday night for endangering their party’s chances of winning the race for governor due to a key quirk of the state's electoral system.

"The Daily Show" host talked to San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, one of the top contenders, having distinguished himself with a pragmatic approach to safe streets and homelessness that has earned him bipartisan support. When asked why he would try to run for governor of the entire state, however, he offered a tongue-in-cheek response.

"Well, Jon, I just didn't think enough people were running for governor," he joked, referring to being one of eight Democrats and two Republicans running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

At Stewart’s request, Mahan explained that California’s electoral system is unique. While most states end up with one Republican contender and one Democrat in a final race, California has an open primary where all candidates of both parties run against each other, so hypothetically, two candidates of the same party could face each other in the final race. 

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Jon Stewart warned that Democrats might snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by splitting the vote with so many candidates. ("The Daily Show"/YouTube)

With Republican votes divided among only two candidates and Democratic votes divided among eight, some are wary that this could be an electoral doomsday scenario for Democrats.

"So there are like, two or three Republicans running and like, eight or nine or 10 or 11, or 20 Democrats?" Stewart asked, using hyperbole. "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."

"So smart, so typical!" Stewart said in exasperated sarcasm.

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has become a national figure because of his pragmatic approach to keeping streets safe and free of homelessness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  (KPIX CBS News Bay Area/YouTube)

When Stewart asked whether Democratic candidates have discussed this with one another, Mahan replied, "Right now, ‘undecided’ is beating everybody."

Stewart expressed bafflement at this, and Mahan explained further, "Yeah, ‘undecided’ is still in first place, which is part of why I jumped in."

"Why do you want to be Governor of California?," Stewart asked. "It is a disaster waiting to happen. It matters. Do you know why they film all the earthquake movies with The Rock there? You've been in a drought for 80 years. Why don't you go run New Hampshire? What are you doing out there?"

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"The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart joked that California is a disaster waiting to happen, asking if his guest would rather run for office in another state. (Phillip Faraone/Getty)

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Mahan replied that he is proud of what he and his team have accomplished in San Jose, saying they have taken a pragmatic approach to local policy.