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Republicans are having a hard time finding anyone to run for statewide office. The heavily Democratic state has less than a year to go before the 2018 primary, but not a single Republican has filed an intent to run for offices like Secretary of State, treasurer, controller, insurance commissioner or school superintendent. A candidate can only begin raising money for their campaign once they file an intent to run for office.
Only a few, mostly-unknown Republicans have filed to run for governor.
Only 26% of California voters are registered as Republican, down from 34% ten-years-ago.
Consultants for the GOP say the Republican bench in California has been weakening for years and those top-tier candidates who aren't independently wealthy think the party won't help them raise enough money to win what would be a very expensive campaign.
GOP Party chair Jim Brulte thinks it's too soon to panic and it would be a better to have "this conversation in January."