California’s June 2 primary delivered a clear verdict: mainstream Democrats had a strong night, self-funded campaigns struggled, and former President Donald Trump’s influence remained potent even in the deep-blue state. - Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton advance to the November governor’s race; Tom Steyer finishes third despite spending $250 million.
- Self-funded candidates like Zach Sokoloff and Chakrabarti failed to break through. - Democratic incumbents in Congress fended off progressive challengers.
- The top-two system did not produce a Democrat-only governor race; Republicans secured the second spot. Overall, voters chose experienced Democrats over populist insurgents, and the feared Republican shutout did not occur.