California Primary sets stage for high-stakes November showdowns

By Hayley Mattson · Wed Jun 03 2026

Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra advance in the governor’s race as local San Luis Obispo County races also take shape following Tuesday’s primary election

California voters headed to the polls Tuesday, June 2, for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election, shaping what is expected to be a closely watched and highly competitive November general election across the state.

Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes in each race advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of political party. While many statewide and legislative contests are headed for head-to-head November matchups, several local races were effectively decided during the primary.

As ballots continue to be counted statewide, early unofficial returns have already painted a clearer picture of California’s political landscape heading into the fall.

In the race to replace termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra emerged as the top two candidates advancing to November. Hilton led early statewide returns with approximately 27.8% of the vote, while Becerra followed closely behind at roughly 25.4%. Democrat Tom Steyer finished third with nearly 20%, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco trailed behind at around 11%.

San Luis Obispo County voters leaned more conservative than the statewide average in the governor’s race. According to unofficial results with 100% of precincts reporting early June 3, approximately 35,571 votes were cast in the gubernatorial contest out of 36,067 total ballots countywide, reflecting a turnout of roughly 19.8%.

Republican Steve Hilton dominated locally with 11,588 votes, or 32.58% of the vote, followed by Democrat Xavier Becerra with 7,172 votes (20.16%). Democrat Tom Steyer received 6,228 votes (17.51%), while Republican Chad Bianco captured 5,337 votes (15.00%).

Other notable candidates included Democrat Katie Porter with 1,655 votes (4.65%) and Democrat Matt Mahan with 1,463 votes (4.11%), while the remaining 50-plus candidates split the rest of the vote.

The gubernatorial race is expected to become one of the most closely watched contests in the nation over the coming months, with major campaign focus likely centered on housing affordability, wildfire recovery, public safety, insurance reform, and California’s economy.

Despite the high-profile races, voter turnout remained relatively low in San Luis Obispo County, with approximately 36,000 ballots cast out of more than 182,000 registered voters — a turnout rate of just under 20%.

Another major statewide contest drawing attention was the race for California Insurance Commissioner, a position that has become increasingly important amid California’s ongoing insurance crisis and wildfire recovery efforts.

Democrats Jane Kim and State Senator Ben Allen secured the top two spots statewide and will advance to November. Kim led the race with roughly 24% of the vote, while Allen followed with approximately 19%.

Republican Stacy Korsgaden, an insurance professional from Grover Beach, failed to advance statewide despite performing exceptionally well in San Luis Obispo County, where she led the field locally with nearly 29% of the vote.

The Insurance Commissioner race is expected to focus heavily on home insurance availability, rising premiums, wildfire coverage, and consumer protections — issues particularly important to residents throughout California’s fire-prone coastal and mountain communities.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles voters are preparing for a dramatic mayoral runoff this November after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary.

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass advanced to the general election with approximately 34.8% of the vote. She will face television personality and Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, who surprised many political observers by capturing roughly 30.4% and securing the second runoff position.

City Councilmember Nithya Raman finished third with approximately 22%.

The Los Angeles mayoral race is expected to center on homelessness, public safety, wildfire recovery, rebuilding efforts, and housing affordability. Bass will defend her administration’s record while Pratt has campaigned heavily on criticism of city leadership and recovery efforts.

Although the race is centered in Los Angeles, its outcome could have significant impacts across California, including San Luis Obispo County. Decisions made by Los Angeles leadership often influence statewide conversations around homelessness policy, housing mandates, wildfire preparedness, environmental regulations, transportation funding, and disaster recovery strategies. With both regions facing rising housing costs, insurance challenges, and wildfire risks, many Central Coast residents are closely watching how Los Angeles approaches rebuilding, public safety, and long-term recovery efforts following recent devastating fires.

The connection is especially important during major emergencies and natural disasters, as fire engines, law enforcement personnel, medical teams, and other emergency response resources are frequently shared throughout California under mutual aid agreements. During large-scale wildfires and disasters, San Luis Obispo County resources are often deployed to assist Los Angeles County and vice versa, making leadership decisions regarding emergency preparedness, recovery coordination, and public safety policies significant far beyond city limits.

Locally in San Luis Obispo County, several races were effectively decided during the primary election.

Incumbent Elaina Cano secured re-election as San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder with more than 61% of the vote, defeating challengers Vanessa Rozo and Gaea Powell. Because the office is nonpartisan and Cano earned a commanding majority, no November runoff will be required.

Cano will continue overseeing county elections, public records, marriage licenses, and voter registration efforts.

In the closely watched San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors races, Michael Erin Woody narrowly defeated Jim Dantona in District 2 with approximately 52% of the vote. Incumbent Jimmy Paulding also held onto his District 4 seat with a similarly close margin over challenger Adam Verdin.

Other races throughout the Central Coast reflected the region’s political diversity, with Democrats maintaining strength in some districts while Republicans posted stronger-than-expected performances in others.

Several congressional and state legislative races will now move forward to November, including contests involving U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Salud Carbajal, as well as Assemblymember Dawn Addis.

Election officials caution that results remain unofficial as vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots continue to be processed statewide. Final certification is expected in early July.

With November now on the horizon, California voters are preparing for what promises to be an intense election season filled with high-profile statewide races, competitive local contests, and major debates over the future direction of the state.

Results are unofficial and were updated as of Wednesday, June 3, as election officials continue processing and verifying vote-by-mail and provisional ballots statewide.