The so-called “jungle primary elections” taking place in the state bring all candidates into a head-to-head battle, regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election in November, where the successor to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has reached the term limit set by law, will be elected.
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The long ballots, which were mailed to all registered voters in this strongly democratic state with a population of 40 million, list more than 60 names.
Recent polls show the distribution of strength among three candidates, with former U.S. President Joe Biden’s Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra leading.
Competing for second place and the chance to face X. Becerra in November are Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton, supported by Donald Trump.
Billionaire hedge fund manager T. Steyer has spent more than $200 million (171.73 million euros) of his personal funds on a combative campaign advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy and lower utility bills for California’s struggling middle class.
Former British political strategist and former Fox News commentator S. Hilton has devoted much of his campaign to criticizing the Democrats, who firmly control California’s government, claiming they cannot solve the state’s problems because they created them.
There are many such problems, so whoever wins in November will face a huge to-do list.
Homelessness
If California were a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world, but despite its huge economy and incredible wealth hubs, the most populous U.S. state is not satisfied.
While Silicon Valley tech specialists enjoy wonderful homes, rapidly rising housing prices and an almost pathological reluctance to build new housing mean millions of people can barely afford rent.
Huge utility bills and the most expensive fuel in the country, along with high taxes and deteriorating public services, only intensify the overall sense of injustice.
There is also a very visible and seemingly unsolvable homelessness problem, affecting thousands of people suffering from it and spoiling the streets of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Despite the importance of the elections and ubiquitous TV ads, this battle among candidates has not generated much interest, and the public does not seem enthusiastic, even though this vote could have nationwide significance.
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It is believed that current Governor G. Newsom is aiming for the presidency in 2028, following in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan, who served as governor from 1967 to 1975.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles voters are also voting in the city’s mayoral primary on Tuesday.
Current Mayor Karen Bass, seeking a second term, finds herself between a left-wing challenge from a former ally on the city council and a right-wing assault led by a combative reality show star.
Former U.S. Congresswoman and Democratic Party veteran K. Bass began her term as the leader of the second largest U.S. city without fanfare and seemed almost assured of re-election in this liberal city.
However, her indecisive response to the massive fires that ravaged the city in January 2025 caused problems.
A positively received response to federal immigration raids in this highly diverse city somewhat improved the situation, but she remains vulnerable, and recent polls show her neck and neck with council member Nithya Raman, representing democratic socialists.
Trailing behind is Spencer Pratt, a former reality show figure whose house burned down during the devastating fires.
S. Pratt has expressed widespread public anger over the slow recovery process, pothole-ridden Los Angeles roads, drug-addicted homeless people, and a city hall considered ineffective and dependent on special interest groups.
His message, like S. Hilton’s in the governor’s race, focuses on public safety and a tough fight against crime, resonating even among some traditional Democratic voters.
There are about ten other candidates, but none are expected to make headlines.
If anyone gets 50% of the vote on Tuesday, they win immediately. Otherwise, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on November 3.
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