California has a "jungle primary" system. The top two vote getters in the primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

This system was designed to screw Republicans, because the top two vote getters were frequently both Democrats. Frequently, the "jungle primary" system led to Republicans getting excluded from the general election ballot.

In the California governor race, every Democrat and their dog is running, splitting the commie vote. There are only two Republicans seriously running, and they're first and second, but with only 15%-20% of the vote each.

It's very similar to the situation where Schwarzenegger won, where the Republicans backed Schwarzenegger close to 100% but the Democrats had multiple candidates splitting the vote, in the recall election.

They desperately need multiple Democrats to drop out, so that at least one Democrat can make the top 2 in the primary. Otherwise, it could be two Republicans facing off in the general election for California governor.

That's the reason Swalwell was suddenly unpersoned. If he drops out, then there are fewer Democrats splitting the vote, and it'll be easier for a Democrat to crack the top two.

I bet they'll find a way to change the rules and screw the Republicans, if the Republicans do wind up with both ballot spots in the general election.