California Primary: Tight Races for Governor and Congress as Voters Head to Polls

WASHINGTON (AP) — California voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for a primary election that will set the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial race and several competitive U.S. House contests, all under the state's top-two primary system.

With 61 candidates vying for governor, the field includes prominent Democrats such as former U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra, former U.S.

Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Republicans in the race include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement. The top-two format, where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, could lead to two Republicans advancing to the general election if the Democratic vote is split, potentially guaranteeing a Republican governor in the heavily Democratic state.

Democrats Eric Swalwell and former state Controller Betty Yee also remain on the ballot despite withdrawing; Swalwell left the race in April after sexual assault allegations he denies, and resigned from Congress shortly after.

In the U.S. House races, voters will use new district boundaries approved in a November 2025 referendum, a response to Republican efforts in Texas and other states to maximize GOP seats.

In the 48th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Darrell Issa retired, and San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond is among several candidates seeking the seat, including Democrats Marni von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar, and Brandon Riker. In the 6th District, U.S.

Rep. Kevin Kiley left the Republican Party in March to run as an independent.

In the 40th District, Republicans Ken Calvert and Young Kim face each other, with Democrat Esther Kim Varet among challengers. A special election in the 1st Congressional District to fill the term of the late Republican Rep.

Doug LaMalfa pits the Democratic state Senate President against the Republican state Assembly Minority Leader; if no candidate gets a majority, the top two will compete on August 4. Another special election for Swalwell's vacant 14th District seat will be held June 16.

In Los Angeles, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass seeks a second term against tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, former MTV reality star Spencer Pratt, and City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Trump recently expressed support for Pratt.

Polls close at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m.

ET). As of Thursday, about 2.6 million ballots had already been cast.

The AP will declare winners only when no scenario allows a trailing candidate to close the gap. No automatic recounts exist in California; any registered voter may request and pay for a recount.