RismadarVoice Reporters
June 3, 2026
California’s closely watched gubernatorial primary remains unsettled as election officials continue counting millions of outstanding ballots, leaving the race for the state’s top office and several key contests undecided.
With less than 60 per cent of expected votes counted as of Wednesday morning, former Fox News host, Steve Hilton, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra, and billionaire activist, Tom Steyer have emerged as the leading contenders in the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
Hilton, the lone Republican among the frontrunners, was leading with 28 per cent of the vote, followed by Democrat Becerra with 25 per cent and fellow Democrat Steyer with 20 per cent. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also a Republican, trailed in fourth place with 11 per cent.
Under California’s electoral system, all candidates compete on a single primary ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election.
Despite Hilton’s narrow lead, Democratic candidates collectively accounted for the majority of votes cast, setting the stage for a potentially competitive finish as ballot counting continues.
Addressing supporters, Hilton expressed confidence that voters would have an opportunity to choose a new direction for the state in November.
Becerra, meanwhile, highlighted his journey from the son of immigrants to a leading contender in the governor’s race, describing himself as an underdog who refused to quit despite calls to withdraw from the contest.
Steyer also remained optimistic, urging supporters to allow the democratic process to run its course while every vote is counted.
Several congressional primaries across California also remain unresolved and could have implications for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In the state’s 22nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent David Valadao secured a comfortable lead, while two Democratic candidates continue to battle for the second-place spot needed to advance to the general election.
School board member Randy Villegas held a slim advantage over state legislator Jasmeet Bains as vote counting continued.
Another closely watched contest is unfolding in Northern California’s 6th District, where independent Congressman Kevin Kiley is competing alongside Democrat Richard Pan and Republican Michael Stansfield. The race remains tight, with Pan and Stansfield exchanging second place throughout the vote count.
Outside California, attention is also focused on Montana’s 1st Congressional District, where Democrats Sam Forstag and Ryan Busse remain locked in a close primary contest following Representative Ryan Zinke’s decision to retire.
The race for Los Angeles mayor is also unresolved, although incumbent Karen Bass is projected to advance to a November runoff.
Bass currently leads with about 35 per cent of the vote, while Republican candidate Spencer Pratt has secured roughly 30 per cent. Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman remains in contention with approximately 22 per cent.
Both Pratt and Raman acknowledged that thousands of ballots remain to be counted, making the contest for the second runoff spot too close to call.
Bass, however, expressed optimism about her chances, telling supporters that the early results were encouraging as counting continues.
With millions of ballots still outstanding across the state, election officials say outcomes in several major races may not be known for days, reflecting California’s lengthy vote-counting process and the high stakes of the 2026 elections.
