The Daily Show Rips California’s ‘Rizz-Less’ Democratic Candidates, Says GOP Could Win Governor’s Mansion

The Daily Show’s latest viral segment is taking aim at California’s Democratic gubernatorial field, and the joke hits on a real political vulnerability few are talking about. In a clip now racking up millions of views, the late-night show’s correspondents mocked the state’s top Democratic candidates as “rizz-less” — a Gen Z slang term for lacking charisma or personal appeal — arguing their lack of voter connection could open the door for a Republican to win the governor’s mansion for the first time in 15 years.

What Exactly Did The Daily Show Say?

The segment, which aired earlier this week, focused on California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, where Gavin Newsom is term-limited and unable to run for re-election. It highlighted the crowded Democratic primary field, including high-profile candidates like former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Correspondent Jordan Klepper joked that while the Democratic candidates have strong policy resumes, none have the “rizz” to excite everyday voters. “You’ve got a former law professor, a career politician, and a former mayor — all great on paper, but none of them could charm a voter out of a free bumper sticker,” Klepper said. “When your entire field is rizz-less, you’re basically rolling out a welcome mat for the GOP.”

Why Does ‘Rizz’ Matter in California Politics?

“Rizz” may be slang, but the underlying point is backed by decades of political science research: voter appeal and personal charisma often matter more than policy positions, especially in down-ballot races. California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, but the state’s top-two primary system creates a unique risk for Democrats.

Here’s how the system works, and why the Daily Show’s warning holds weight:

• All candidates, regardless of party, run in a single primary election.
• The top two vote-getters advance to the general election, even if they are from the same party.
• If the Democratic field splits the vote too thinly, a single Republican candidate could nab the second spot on the general election ballot.

If that happens, and Democratic voters are uninspired by their party’s nominee, a moderate Republican could pull off an upset — a scenario the Daily Show argued is more likely if Dems keep putting forward “rizz-less” candidates.

Is a Republican Governor Actually Possible in California?

Most political analysts still rate the 2026 California gubernatorial race as “safe Democratic,” but the Daily Show’s segment highlights a real blind spot for the party. Recent polling shows only 32% of California voters are “very satisfied” with the Democratic field, while 41% say they want a candidate with stronger personal appeal.

Republicans have already begun recruiting high-profile candidates, including former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and U.S. Representative Mike Garcia, both of whom have positioned themselves as moderate, charismatic alternatives to the Democratic field. If the Democratic primary turns into a bitter, divisive fight, those GOP candidates could gain traction with moderate and independent voters.

The Fallout From The Viral Segment

The clip has already sparked fierce debate online. Conservative commentators have seized on the “rizz-less” label as proof that Democrats are out of touch with everyday voters, while Democratic strategists have pushed back, calling the segment a “joke that misses the point.”

“Charisma matters, but California voters care about housing costs, crime, and education more than viral slang,” said Democratic strategist Maria Lopez. “Our candidates have real solutions to real problems, and that’s what will win the election.”

Still, several Democratic candidates have already pivoted to boost their personal appeal: Porter launched a series of viral TikTok videos this week, while Kounalakis announced a statewide “town hall tour” focused on listening to voter concerns rather than reciting policy platforms.

What’s Next for the Race?

The first official Democratic primary debate is set for next month, where candidates will face pressure to show off more than just their policy chops. Polls show the race is still wide open, with no candidate pulling more than 20% support in early surveys.

For now, the Daily Show’s joke has done what late-night TV does best: it’s forced a serious conversation about a risk Democrats have been ignoring. Even in the bluest of states, “rizz” might just be the difference between holding the governor’s mansion and losing it.

Watch the full Daily Show segment here.