LOS ANGELES, June 2, (V7N) – Californians head to the polls Tuesday in the first round of voting for a new governor, with a tight three-way race for two run-off spots. The "jungle primary" pits all candidates against each other regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to November's general election to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.
Former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra leads the latest polls, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer and Trump-backed Republican Steve Hilton are battling for second place. Steyer has spent over $200 million of his own money on an insurgent campaign, while Hilton — a former British political strategist — has focused on attacking Democrats' stranglehold on California politics.
Despite California's massive economy — the fourth largest in the world if it were a country — voters are deeply disgruntled over soaring housing costs, eye-watering utility bills, high taxes, crumbling public services, and the visible, intractable problem of homelessness. Incumbent Newsom is believed to have his eyes on the White House in 2028.
In Los Angeles, voters are also choosing a mayor. Incumbent Karen Bass faces a challenge from the left by councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist, and from the right by reality TV star Spencer Pratt, whose house burned down in the January 2025 fires. Pratt has channeled anger over the slow rebuild process, potholed roads, and public safety concerns.
Bass's flat-footed handling of the devastating fires left her vulnerable, though a well-received response to federal immigration raids helped stabilize her campaign. If any candidate secures 50 percent of the vote Tuesday, they win outright; otherwise, the top two advance to the November 3 general election.
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