California Governor, LA Mayor Primaries Feature Crowded Fields and Uncertainty
8 verified11 unconfirmed1 contested
California voters head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections in the governor and Los Angeles mayor races, with both contests featuring crowded fields and no clear front-runners. In the governor’s race, Democratic candidates Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer lead the field, while Republican Steve Hilton seeks to secure one of the top two spots. Steyer has set spending records for a state election, including over $195 million in television and radio advertising. The mayor’s race in Los Angeles is a nonpartisan primary with incumbent Democrat Karen Bass facing challenges from progressive city council member Nithya Raman and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt. Bass’s first term has been rocky, partly due to her absence during the Palisades Fire while she was in Ghana. Hilton has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and both races have drawn national attention. The primary uses a “jungle primary” system where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party.
What’s verified
California’s primary elections for governor and Los Angeles mayor are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The governor’s race features Democratic candidates Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton as leading contenders.
The Los Angeles mayor’s race is a nonpartisan primary with incumbent Democrat Karen Bass, progressive city council member Nithya Raman, and Republican reality TV personality Spencer Pratt as top candidates.
Bass was in Ghana as part of a presidential delegation when the Palisades Fire broke out in January 2025.
Steyer has set spending records for a California state election, including over $195 million in TV and radio ads.
Hilton is endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Becerra is leading in polls and considered likely to reach the general election.
The primary uses a “jungle primary” system where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party.
Where accounts differ
One source describes the governor’s race as having “no clear leaders” and being “wide open,” while another source states that Becerra leads the polls and is “all but guaranteed” to reach the general election. No other contradictions identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
Mail voting began in early May, with 15% of ballots returned as of May 31, according to a single report.
Steve Hilton urged Republican rival Chad Bianco to drop out to avoid an all-Democratic general election ticket, according to a single report.
Spencer Pratt lost his home in the Palisades Fire, according to a single report.
A UC Berkeley poll found Bass, Raman, and Pratt tightly clustered with no candidate having a statistically significant edge, according to a single report.
Karen Bass’s approval rating stands at 35% approve and 57% disapprove, according to a single report.
Nithya Raman is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, according to a single report.
Raman’s performance in a televised debate was widely panned, according to a single report.
Bass’s Inside Safe program has cost $400 million and housed about 1,500 people permanently, with most returning to the streets, according to a single report.
Eric Swalwell dropped out of the governor race in April due to sexual assault allegations, according to a single report.
Steyer has been endorsed by Our Revolution and the California DSA, according to a single report.
It remains unclear exactly how the electorate will split, whether the Palisades Fire will be the deciding factor in the mayor’s race, and whether Steyer’s populist message will overcome his billionaire background.
Key figures
Steve Hilton – Republican candidate for governor, former Fox News host, endorsed by Donald Trump.
Tom Steyer – Democratic candidate for governor, billionaire climate activist.
Xavier Becerra – Democratic candidate for governor, former California attorney general and Biden health secretary.
Spencer Pratt – Republican candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, reality TV personality.
Karen Bass – Democratic incumbent mayor of Los Angeles.
Nithya Raman – Democratic candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, city council member.
Chad Bianco – Republican candidate for governor, Riverside County sheriff.
Matt Mahan – Democratic candidate for governor, mayor of San Jose.
Katie Porter – Democratic candidate for governor, former U.S. representative.
Gavin Newsom – outgoing Democratic governor of California.
Eric Swalwell – former Democratic candidate for governor.
Donald Trump – former U.S. president.
Sources: abcnews.com, theatlantic.com, realclearpolitics.com, washingtonmonthly.com
