California holds its primary on June 2, 2026, with the marquee contest being the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Under the state’s “jungle primary,” the top two finishers advance to November regardless of party. With 61 candidates splitting the Democratic vote in the governor’s race, two Republicans could plausibly rank near the top, raising the prospect of a GOP contender advancing in deep-blue California. The nationally watched Los Angeles mayoral race and numerous statewide offices — attorney general, treasurer, lieutenant governor — are also on the ballot. House primaries are pivotal: after Democrats redrew district lines under Prop. 50, the party hopes to net up to five seats, and more than a half-dozen incumbents in both parties are fighting to survive. A field of candidates is also competing to replace retiring former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
What to look for
Watch whether a Republican grabs one of the two governor’s runoff slots as Democrats split their vote. Track the redrawn House races testing the Prop. 50 map and which incumbents survive. Watch the L.A. mayoral outcome and the contest to succeed Pelosi. Late mail ballots may delay calls.
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