Newsom’s ‘break the glass’ warning fuels Hilton accusation Democrats are exploiting jungle primary fears

By Fox News · Fox News

California Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton blasted Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for "fear mongering" after the governor suggested he had a contingency plan if Democrats appeared at risk of being shut out of the general election. California’s primary election is just two weeks away, and under the state’s jungle primary system — where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party — both Democrats and Republicans fear they won’t be represented in the general election. Newsom expressed his concern about a Republican shutdown last Thursday during a news conference, explaining that he has a "break the glass scenario" to ensure Democrats aren't "locked out." "There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out, and we’re going to do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen," Newsom said. "I’ll leave it there." JOY REID BLASTS CA DEMS FOR LETTING GOP CONTENDERS TAKE LEAD IN GOVERNOR’S RACE Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for further comment. Hilton claimed that Newsom's comments were a tactic to split Republican voters between himself and Republican candidate Chad Bianco . "He's not trying to stop a 'top two Republican' outcome because that is not possible and never was," Hilton said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Chad Bianco is far behind in the polls and fundraising, and has no chance of being in the top two." GOP CANDIDATE BIANCO'S TWO-WORD JAB AT KATIE PORTER DRAWS GASPS FROM CALIFORNIA DEBATE AUDIENCE RealClearPolitics’ polling averages show Hilton leading the pack of candidates, with Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra in a close second. Meanwhile, Bianco trails in fourth place. Hilton argued it would be Newsom’s "ideal scenario" to have two Democrats facing off, saying it would deflect attention from Newsom’s "appalling record" as he eyes a 2028 presidential run . " Newsom and the Democrats are fearmongering over a R vs R matchup in the general election precisely…