California's June primary results are in, with several clear trends emerging. - Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra lead the governor's race; billionaire Tom Steyer trails after spending $250 million.
- Self-funded candidates across multiple races underperformed, including those for insurance commissioner, Board of Equalization, and Congress. - Mainstream Democratic incumbents in Congress fended off progressive challengers.
- The top-two primary system did not produce a Democrat-vs-Democrat governor race; partisan patterns held. - Democrats avoided a feared "shut out" scenario where two Republicans could have advanced to November.
Overall, California voters showed a preference for experienced, party-aligned candidates over wealthy outsiders.