California Today

Bay Area Voters Prioritize Strategy in Governor Primary

02 June 2026 10:54

Bay Area voters in California's primary election focused on strategic voting, often choosing candidates based on electability rather than ideology. - Many voters waited until Election Day to decide, influenced by the crowded Democratic field.

- Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist, drew support despite concerns about his spending. - Local measures, such as a parcel tax in Santa Clara County, were also on ballots.

- Election officials warned of a lengthy vote count due to mail-in ballots. The primary highlighted voter pragmatism in a state where the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to November.

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