Californians are casting their final ballots today in the statewide primary election, setting the stage for November contests that will determine who succeeds Gov. Gavin Newsom after his two terms leading the state.
Across Southern California and the Inland Empire, voters are also weighing in on congressional primaries that could help shape control of the U.S. House of Representatives during the final two years of President Trump’s term.
In addition to the governor’s race, the statewide ballot includes contests for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, controller, treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, insurance commissioner and seats on the Board of Equalization. Voters are also choosing candidates for the California Assembly and state Senate.
Recent polling in the race for governor has shown Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer in a close contest with Republican Steve Hilton. Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November general election.
Final outcomes in competitive races may not be known tonight. California elections officials will continue counting ballots in the days ahead, and ballots postmarked by Election Day can still be counted if they arrive by June 9. The secretary of state has until July 10 to certify the results.
As vote totals are updated, results will be reported for key statewide offices, U.S. House races, California Senate contests and Assembly races.
Original source: CalMatters
