California Governor and LA Mayor Races Head to Primary Without Clear Frontrunners

California is heading into its primary election on Tuesday with two marquee races defined by uncertainty and outsider candidates challenging the state's Democratic stronghold. In the governor's race, former Fox News host and British political adviser Steve Hilton is urging Republicans to unite behind him as he vies for one of two spots in the November election alongside Democrats Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist, and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra.

In the Los Angeles mayoral race, reality TV personality Spencer Pratt is hoping to upset Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, with both candidates tightly clustered alongside progressive City Council member Nithya Raman.

Hilton has warned of a "doomsday scenario" where only Democrats advance to the general election, pleading with his main Republican rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, to drop out. Bianco has refused, calling for Hilton's supporters to back him instead.

Mail voting began in early May, but only 15% of ballots had been returned as of Sunday, leaving room for a last-minute shake-up.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces a tough reelection bid after a shaky first term marked by a drop in homelessness but persistent encampments and fallout from the 2025 Palisades Fire, the most destructive in city history. Bass was in Ghana when the fire broke out, while Pratt, who lost his home in the blaze, has made recovery a key campaign issue.

A UC Berkeley poll found Bass, Raman, and Pratt in a tight race with no statistically significant lead.

The governor's race features over 50 candidates, including former U.S. Rep.

Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Steyer has set spending records, while Hilton promises to cut costs in a state with high gas prices and taxes.

Becerra emphasizes his experience as a former health secretary and attorney general. Republicans are promising drastic change after two decades of Democratic control, while Democrats pledge to continue fighting the Trump administration.