to the editor: The logic is irrefutable. If you are a Democrat and you don't want two Republicans to end up among the top two vote-getters in the primary elections, the only sensible thing to do is leave aside personal preferences, unless they are the same as those of the undisputed leader in opinion polls at the time of voting (“Not too early, not too late. This is the sweet spot for voting in California.” May 3). That would mean, at the time of writing this article, opting for Xavier Becerra. The only other Democratic candidate who is close is Tom Steyer, and if he gets to a point that's within the margin of error, you might take a chance on him.
But it is clear that this choice is too important and too precarious to let conscience be its guide. As in presidential elections, you have to think strategically and not selfishly to avoid electoral disasters like those the country is facing now and will likely continue to face for the next two and a half years.
Vincent Brook, Los Angeles
..
to the editor: For those helpful who want to see at least one Democrat in the November runoff, I agree with the advice that we should wait and follow the polls before casting our vote for governor in the June 2 primary.
I loved Katie Porter and her whiteboard, but her emotional outbursts have given me pause. Billionaire Steyer racked up some impressive endorsements. However, promising too much on items that you wouldn't be able to deliver makes me suspicious. Their funding of deceptive attack ads is very disconcerting.
That leaves the boring Xavier Becerra. The only place where President Trump has been checked is the courts and Becerra has done some of that, presenting at least 122 lawsuits against the first Trump administration.
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo once said“You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.” I would argue that Becerra, while lacking the art of an electrifying candidate, may well be an effective governor.
I will continue to pay attention to the polls, but today I support Xavier Becerra.
Richard Salzman, Arcata, California.
..
to the editor: Don't vote until the polls determine who the Democratic favorite is! Voting too early could be a wasted vote and could help propel one of those horrible MAGA candidates to victory.
That would mean goodbye to progressive California and all the good things we could do to innovate in science and the environment, as well as ways to care for those in need.
Even if the Democratic front-runner isn't to your liking, it's better than drinking the poison the Republican Party wants to serve us all.
Waiting to vote can only be a good thing.
Linda Mason, Santa Barbara
..
to the editor: If I were a Republican strategist, I would advise Republican voters to choose between Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco based on the last digit of their Social Security number. Vote for Hilton if it's odd and for Bianco if it's even.
Based on the following poll numbers from early May – Hilton (18%), Becerra (14%), Steyer (13%) and Bianco (14%) – this scheme gives both Hilton and Bianco 16% of the vote, making it likely that two Republicans will advance to the 2026 California general election, in which case one Republican will be elected governor. If only one Republican advances, it is highly unlikely that a Republican will win in November.
Leonard Wapner, Foca Beach
