The California Republican Party opted not to endorse a candidate for governor at its convention Sunday, despite former President Donald Trump's endorsement of former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race. According to the state GOP, neither gubernatorial candidate reached the required 60 percent threshold for party endorsement.

Trump had publicly backed Hilton on his social media platform, but the party's decision suggests divisions within California Republican ranks regarding the gubernatorial field. The lack of consensus comes as the party seeks to mount a credible challenge in the heavily Democratic state.

Meanwhile, Democrats are experiencing their own challenges in recruiting candidates for the governor's race. Party strategists have struggled to identify a candidate capable of energizing voters in what has traditionally been one of the party's most reliable strongholds.

Separately, speculation has emerged about potential write-in candidates, with at least one online poll gauging voter interest in Vice President Kamala Harris as a possible gubernatorial contender. Harris previously served as California's attorney general before her election to the U.S. Senate.

The developments highlight organizational challenges facing both major parties in California's upcoming gubernatorial contest, despite the state's significant electoral importance and large voter base.