California Voters Finish Crowded Primary To Pick Newsom Successor
California voters finished a crowded gubernatorial primary Tuesday, June 2, 2026, choosing which two candidates will advance to the November runoff to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.[1]
About 60 candidates from all parties appeared on a single statewide ballot, with the top two finishers advancing to the November general election.[1] Prominent Democrats in the field included Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter and Matt Mahan, while leading Republicans included Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.[1] Campaigns centered on high gas prices, rising housing costs and electricity rates, with Democrats and Republicans proposing sharply different remedies.[1]
The state's primary voting period began in early May. California uses a nonpartisan top-two primary that places every candidate on the same statewide ballot and sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election, regardless of party.
The outcome will narrow an already crowded contest and set the stage for a high-stakes November race focused on cost-of-living and energy policy debates.
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📌 Key Facts
- California's gubernatorial primary voting period, which began in early May, concludes Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
- About 60 candidates from all parties appear on a single statewide ballot, with the top two finishers advancing to the November general election.
- Prominent Democrats include Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan; leading Republicans include Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
- Core campaign issues include California's high gas prices, housing costs, and electricity rates, with sharply different remedies proposed by Democrats and Republicans.
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