California voters headed to the polls this week not only to decide who will replace Gavin Newsom in the governor’s office — a race already called for Xavier Becerra — but also to fill a slate of other statewide offices that quietly keep state government running. From the attorney general’s office to the insurance commissioner’s post, these races carry real consequences for how California is governed, regulated and represented in court.
Here’s a look at how the down-ballot statewide contests are shaping up as results continue to come in.
Attorney General
Incumbent Rob Bonta, a Democrat who has led the office since 2021, easily turned back a challenge from Republican Michael Gates, a former Huntington Beach city attorney. During his tenure, Bonta has built a reputation for aggressively pursuing legal action against the Trump administration. The Associated Press called the race in his favor Tuesday evening, with Bonta commanding nearly 64% of the vote.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
In a contest between two school board veterans, San Diego Unified’s Richard Barrera, a Democrat backed by the California Teachers Association and the California Charter Schools Association, held a solid lead over Chino Valley Unified’s Sonja Shaw, a Republican known for her opposition to transgender student protections. Barrera was ahead with nearly 57% of the vote as of 9 p.m. The position carries limited formal power but offers a prominent platform on issues affecting California’s public school students.
Lieutenant Governor
Current state Treasurer Fiona Ma, a Democrat, cruised to victory over Republican Gloria Romero, a former Democratic state legislator, in the race for California’s second-highest office. The Associated Press called the contest for Ma, who had captured nearly 63% of the vote. The lieutenant governor’s duties are largely ceremonial, though the officeholder can step in during a governor’s absence and break ties in the state Senate.
State Controller
Incumbent Malia Cohen, a Democrat who has emphasized transparency and accountability in her campaign, won a second term over Republican challenger Herb Morgan, a San Diego investment firm founder who ran on a promise to root out government waste. The AP called the race for Cohen, who held just over 63% of the vote.
Secretary of State
Shirley Weber, the Democratic incumbent who has overseen California’s elections since 2021, defeated Republican Donald Wagner, an Orange County supervisor and former Irvine mayor, in a race that underscores the office’s critical role in certifying ballot measures and ensuring accurate vote counts. Weber was declared the winner with roughly 65% of the vote.
Treasurer
Eleni Kounalakis, who has served two terms as lieutenant governor, moved into the treasurer’s race and defeated Republican Jennifer Hawks, a retired Silicon Valley resident making her first run for office. The AP called the race for Kounalakis, who secured about 64% of the vote. The treasurer’s office manages the state’s unspent funds and oversees its borrowing and debt obligations.
Insurance Commissioner
One of the night’s most closely watched contests pitted two Democrats against each other as California grapples with a destabilized insurance market and growing wildfire risk. Former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim, a consumer advocate, held a narrow edge over state Sen. Ben Allen of Los Angeles, leading with nearly 52% of the vote as results continued to come in.
Board of Equalization
Four of the five seats on the nation’s only elected tax board were on the ballot this cycle. The board hears taxpayer appeals, advises county assessors and sets property values for utilities and railroads.
In District 1, covering much of inland California, Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza, a Democrat, led Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove with nearly 57% of the vote.
In District 2, representing coastal California north of Los Angeles, incumbent Democrat Sally Lieber held a commanding lead over fellow Democrat John Pimentel, a San Mateo County community college trustee, with 63.5% of the vote.
In District 3, covering the Los Angeles region, Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson led labor organizer Samuel Sukaton, also a Democrat, with close to 62% of the vote.
In District 4, which includes the San Diego area, Democratic state Sen. Tom Umberg held an edge over Republican Denis Bilodeau, an Orange councilmember and taxpayer association president, with 57.5% of the vote.
Original source: CalMatters
