Davis received more votes than Lungren, who ran against less well-known opponents in the Republican primary.

The Democratic field for the race became open when the state's most well-known and popular politician, Senator Dianne Feinstein, decided in January 1998 not to run for governor despite a request from President Bill Clinton.

[1] Former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta also decided not to run.

[2] Al Checchi, a Democratic airline executive and political newcomer, was among the first to declare for the race.

[6] Many of Feinstein's top campaign advisers worked for Harman during the Gubernatorial primary.

Harman's campaign ran a biographical ad of her at the 1960 Democratic National Convention.

[2] Davis ran on the campaign slogan "experience money can't buy", and he promised to make education his top priority, which matched voters' concerns in exit polls.

[2] Davis spent 9 million in total campaign funds in the primary,[4] and later criticized Checchi for giving money to Republicans Steve Forbes and Bob Dole in 1996.

Upon his victory, Davis promised he would focus his attention on education and would convene a special session of the legislature.