Democrats fear being locked out of the November governor’s race. Could it lead to changes in California’s top-two primary system?

California’s top-two primary system was designed to reward broad appeal and push candidates toward the political middle. Now it’s raising the possibility of something few expected: Democrats being shut out of November’s race for governor.

With eight prominent Democrats competing to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, party leaders fear the vote could splinter enough that two Republicans — former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — emerge from the June primary as the top finishers.