California's crowded primary for governor remains unresolved as three leading candidates tested voters' preferences for an experienced politician or promises of sweeping change. Although votes were still being counted, Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, along with Republican Steve Hilton, have begun looking toward November, outlining their visions for leading the nation's most populous state and one of the world's largest economies.
This follows Tuesday's primary votes, which could see critical districts flip in both the House and Senate, setting up high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats. Among the most closely watched races are a New Jersey Democrat who could unseat a Republican incumbent absent for months due to a mystery medical issue, several Iowa Democrats hoping to flip their red-leaning state, and California's redrawn maps that have given Democrats an advantage in the heavily blue state.
In the Golden State's governor race, only two candidates will advance to the general election. The Associated Press has not yet called the primary for any candidate, but Hilton and Becerra are leading so far, with Steyer trailing slightly behind. "Change is coming to California, and it's long overdue," Hilton told supporters after polls closed, reflecting his campaign message that the state needs a dramatic reset after more than 15 years of Democratic rule. Steyer also campaigned on change and declared Tuesday that he would prevail over monied interests that tried to defeat him. Becerra pitched himself as the steady hand who can lead the state against intrusions from the Trump administration. "The underdog stayed in the fight," Becerra said to applause.
Other Key Primary Results
In Los Angeles, Karen Bass emerged ahead in the heated primary for mayor, but with less than 50% of the vote, she will have to defend her seat in November's general election. She will likely face either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or city council member Nithya Raman.
In Iowa, state representative Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for the state's open US Senate seat, setting up a matchup against Ashley Hinson in the November general election. Hinson, a former television anchor turned state senator, was endorsed by Donald Trump and retiring senator Joni Ernst.
Adam Hamawy won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 12th congressional district, pitting the army doctor and political newcomer against Republican Gregg Mele in November. Hamawy decided to run for office after returning from a medical mission in Gaza in 2024 and meeting congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who announced her retirement in November 2025.
Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico. If elected in the November general election, Haaland would become the first Native American woman governor elected in the country.
Christina Bohannan won the Democratic nomination for Iowa's 1st congressional district. She will compete against incumbent Republican congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the November general election.
Zach Lahn narrowly won the Republican nomination for governor and will face Democrat Rob Sand in Iowa's general election this November. Five Republicans competed for the nomination to replace retiring Republican governor Kim Reynolds.
Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 7th congressional district and will challenge Republican congressman Tom Kean Jr. in the general election. Kean, who has been absent from Congress since March citing a health issue, shared a statement on social media saying he is "more energized than ever" and will "be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition" when he returns to work in "a matter of weeks."
