California Primary Tests Democratic Field Amid Voter Discontent
Cover image from theguardian.com, which was analyzed for this article
Voters in California and several other states head to the polls in key primaries, including a high-stakes race to succeed Gavin Newsom featuring candidates like Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt. The contests test Democratic strategies and preview November midterms amid voter anger over crime and governance.
PoliticalOS
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — Politics
California’s jungle primary system and voter concerns over crime, homelessness, and wildfire recovery create an unusually open contest for governor, with late surges by Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton determining which two candidates advance. The outcome will test whether Democratic voters prioritize establishment experience or outsider appeals ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What outlets missed
Several outlets omitted official Los Angeles Police Department data showing declines in homicide and aggravated assault through early 2026, leaving readers without a benchmark for claims about rising crime. No outlet supplied turnout projections or mail-ballot rejection rates for the June 2 contests. Coverage also lacked detail on the five new Democratic-leaning congressional districts created after California voters approved Proposition 50 in response to Texas redistricting.
California voters on June 2, 2026, cast ballots in a jungle primary for governor and other offices, with the top two finishers in each race advancing to the November general election regardless of party. The contests occur against a backdrop of public frustration over homelessness, crime, and slow rebuilding after wildfires that destroyed more than 17,000 homes in Los Angeles County the prior year.
More than 60 candidates appeared on the gubernatorial ballot to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Polls entering election day showed former Biden administration Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra leading, followed closely by billionaire Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Other Democratic contenders included former Rep. Katie Porter, who saw support drop after two videos went viral, and former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who withdrew in April after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct; Swalwell denied the allegations and resigned his House seat. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another Republican, lost ground after Trump backed Hilton.
In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Democrat Karen Bass sought a second term while facing progressive City Council member Nithya Raman on the left and reality television personality Spencer Pratt on the right. Pratt, whose home was destroyed in the wildfires, campaigned on public safety and government accountability; Bass received endorsements from Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and both California U.S. senators. If no candidate reached 50 percent, the top two would advance to November.
The same day, Iowa held primaries for an open Senate seat and an open gubernatorial race. Democrats Josh Turek and Zach Wahls competed for the Senate nomination against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. In the Iowa governor’s race, Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra led a Republican field that included Zach Lahn. Additional primaries took place in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
California’s results will help determine which candidates advance and will serve as an early indicator of voter priorities heading into the 2026 midterms, when control of the U.S. House and Senate will be at stake.
More in Politics
US Apache Crashes Near Strait of Hormuz; Crew Rescued
A US Army Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions. Crew was rescued safely with no injuries reported.
Trump booed during anthem at Knicks NBA Finals game
President Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game but faced loud boos from the New York crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Raman Advances Past Pratt to Face Bass in LA Mayor Runoff
Progressive Democrat Nithya Raman secured second place to advance to the runoff against Karen Bass, knocking out Trump-backed influencer Spencer Pratt.
Judge Voids Trump $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Unlawful Tax
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, easing concerns for employers and foreign workers.