It’s counterintuitive in every way that California could be slouching toward the GOP in 2026. One of the bluest states in the nation, it hasn’t elected a Republican governor since the moderate Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, Democrats hold every statewide office plus supermajorities in both houses of the legislature and President Donald Trump is spectacularly loathed in the state.

Yet the race for governor this year could portend an unexpected Republican revival, if not an outright victory. The state isn’t exactly turning rightward. But frustration with one-party rule, a chaotic free-for-all among leading Democratic hopefuls and an intriguing Republican candidate in Steve Hilton have given the GOP an opportunity to shine in a way it hasn’t for decades.

Democrats have good reason to be fearful. Because of the state’s open, or “jungle,” primary system that allows voters to pick any candidate, regardless of party, it is possible that not just one but two Republicans could end up on the November ballot. The top two finishers in the June 2 contest will meet on Election Day, and the presence in the race of five relatively well-known Democrats — but no breakout figure — has meant that both spots could go to Republicans.

In fact, the two major Republicans in the race consistently have been among the top three candidates in polls. One, Riverside County Sheriff........

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