California Governor and LA Mayor Races Head to Primary with No Clear Frontrunners

California's primary election for governor and Los Angeles mayor is approaching with no clear leaders, as mail-in voting began in early May but only 15% of voters had returned their ballots as of Sunday. The contests remain highly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for the top positions.

In the governor's race, several Democrats and Republicans are campaigning across the state, while the Los Angeles mayor's race features a crowded field of candidates focusing on issues like homelessness, public safety, and economic recovery. The primary election is scheduled for June 7, 2026, and the top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the general election in November.

Voter turnout is expected to increase as Election Day approaches, but the current low return rate highlights a lack of clear momentum for any single candidate.