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By Open Chronicle with agencies
California election officials are continuing to count millions of ballots after Tuesday’s primary elections, leaving several major races unresolved, including the closely watched contest to determine who will compete for the governorship in November.
With just over half of the ballots counted, Republican candidate Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra remain locked in a tight battle for the top positions in California’s gubernatorial primary. Hilton held a narrow lead with 27.6 percent of the vote, while Becerra followed with 25.6 percent. Democrat Tom Steyer remained within striking distance at 19.8 percent.
Under California’s unique “jungle primary” system, all candidates compete on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election. As a result, candidates from the same political party can potentially face each other in November.
Election analysts have cautioned against concluding too early, noting that California traditionally processes large numbers of mail-in and drop-box ballots after Election Day, often altering the standings in close contests.
The governor’s race is being closely monitored nationwide as voters prepare for the November midterm elections, which are expected to have significant implications for President Donald Trump’s administration during the second half of his current term.
Los Angeles mayoral race remains competitive
In Los Angeles, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass secured first place in the city’s primary with 35 percent of the vote, guaranteeing her a place on the November ballot.
However, the race for the second spot remains unresolved. Republican Spencer Pratt currently holds an advantage with 29.9 percent, while Democratic City Council member Nithya Raman trails with 22.8 percent. With many ballots still outstanding, election officials have not declared a final result.
Congressional contests draw attention
Several congressional races across California also remain highly competitive.
In the state’s 22nd Congressional District, Republican Representative David Valadao advanced comfortably to the general election with 44.5 percent of the vote. The battle for the second position remains close between Democrats Randy Villegas and Jasmeet Bains.
In California’s 32nd District, Democratic Representative Brad Sherman narrowly edged Republican Larry Thompson in the primary, setting up a competitive general election contest.
One of the most closely watched races is taking place in California’s 11th District, where long-serving former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is retiring at the age of 86. Democrat Scott Wiener finished first in the primary with 41.3 percent of the vote and will face fellow Democrat Connie Chan in November.
Meanwhile, California’s 48th District will feature a contest between Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert as voters choose a successor to retiring Republican Representative Darrell Issa.
Key races across the United States
Important primary contests were also decided in several other states.
In Iowa, Republican Zach Lahn narrowly defeated Congressman Randy Feenstra to secure his party’s nomination for governor. He will face Democrat Rob Sand in November.
Montana voters selected Republican Kurt Alme and Democrat Alani Bankhead as their nominees for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Steve Daines.
In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination by a wide margin and will face Republican Greggory Hull in the general election. If elected, Haaland would become the first Native American woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state.
New Jersey’s Senate race also took shape, with Republican Justin Murphy winning his party’s nomination. He will challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Cory Booker in November.
November battles begin to take shape
While many races remain too close to call, the primary elections have already revealed a highly competitive political landscape heading into the autumn campaign season.
With California still counting ballots and several major contests unresolved, election officials expect updated results over the coming days. The outcomes could significantly influence the balance of power in Washington and shape the political direction of several key states ahead of the November midterm elections.