Californians are either dropping off their early ballots or getting ready to cast their vote on June 2, the day of the state’s primary election.
Voters will pick their favorite candidates for key races up and down the ballot. This includes mayoral races, including the one for Los Angeles mayor which has gained national attention, and the race for governor of California, which attracted the bid of more than 60 candidates.
In the Golden State’s “jungle primary system,” two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation.
Here’s what to watch for ahead of California’s primary Election Day.
Mayoral race
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who is running for a second term, visited a restaurant, a coffee shop and a phone bank event on the final day of campaigning, according to a campaign email.
During a campaign event, she downplayed her opponent Spencer Pratt’s credibility, saying, “A reality TV villain? Really? How did that work for us on a national level? That’s one choice.”
“The other choice is a city councilperson who has been at City Hall twice as long as I have and who thinks it’s OK for parents and kids to have to navigate their way through tents. She doesn’t think it’s that serious,” said Bass. This time, she referred to Nithya Raman, a former city council member.
On Saturday, Pratt held a cookout in Jim Gilliam Park, where supporters chanted his name. Earlier that day, he spoke with animal welfare advocates at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Pratt also appeared on several podcasts and news shows, including “Club Random” with Bill Maher, and targeted his opponents on social media.
Meanwhile, Raman spent Saturday riding in an old-school yellow Scout convertible to meet her supporters all around the city.
Poll shows a tight race in LA
Latest polling from McLaughlin & Associates/California Post suggests Pratt’s ratings have surged in the final days ahead of the primary. In this survey, he leads with 30% support, ahead of Bass at 29.5% and Raman at 23.4%.
According to another poll from April, Bass, who is endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, leads the field with 25% support, while Pratt and Raman trailed behind at 11% and 9%, respectively.
Gubernatorial race
In the crowded race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term limited, Democrat Xavier Becerra is the favorite with 23%, according to a PPIC poll conducted May 14-18.
It’s unclear whether he will manage to consolidate Democrats.
“Folks put their faith in someone who’s done that kind of work and achieved results, someone who’s taken on real crises and been able to pull us out of them,” Becerra told The Los Angeles Times on Friday following a union rally in the Inland Empire. “Now it’s time to get things done. I think they’re looking for someone who could actually do that.”
Republican Steve Hilton, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, and Democrat Tom Steyer maintain a close distance with 20% and 15% support, respectively.
In a message to his voters on Sunday, Hilton, the British-born and former Fox News host, told Republicans not to split for former Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
“I respect your support for Chad, but there is now no possibility of two Republicans in the top 2,” he said. “At this point that’s what a vote for Chad could bring about. This is not personal, it’s about saving California. Let’s do that together.
House races
California’s redistricting measures earlier this year will allow Democrats to potentially pick up five seats in November. The primaries will set the stage for the slate of candidates for the general election.
Here are a few key races worth watching:
- Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s death triggered a special election for this now blue-leaning 1st Congressional District.
- With former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi retiring, a large field of candidates is vying to replace her. She has endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan for her seat in the 12th Congressional District.
- A special election is scheduled for the 14th District, previously represented by Democrat Eric Swalwell, who resigned over sexual assault allegations.
- Republican Rep. David Valadao is seeking a fourth term for the 22nd Congressional District. He is likely to advance to the general election in what is a toss-up race as per the Cook Political Report, and become the last Republican in the U.S. House to have voted to impeach President Donald Trump after Jan. 6.
- After Republican Rep. Darrell Issa’s retirement, it’s possible the GOP loses the 48th Congressional District, which has shifted to the left. This race is a toss-up.
