The primary ballot in California includes more than the contest for governor. Voters are simultaneously choosing officials for several statewide posts — from the state’s top law officer to the regulator overseeing the insurance market. This article summarizes the major races, explains the responsibilities attached to each office, and reports early vote-share snapshots where available.
Across these contests, the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election under California’s open primary system. That rule means two candidates of the same party can both advance. Below we outline each race, name prominent entrants and provide the latest reported percentages from early returns.
Attorney general and public safety
The race for attorney general pits incumbent Rob Bonta against Republican Michael Gates. Bonta, who followed xavier becerra in the job, has used the office in recent years to bring high-profile litigation against federal actions. Gates, a former trial lawyer, Huntington Beach city attorney and deputy U.S. attorney, is the Republican challenger. Early returns indicate Bonta is positioned to advance to the general election.
Education leadership: superintendent of public instruction
The office of state superintendent of public instruction oversees California’s Department of Education, though local districts retain most control over budgets and curricula. Several established Democrats entered the contest, including Anthony Rendon, Josh Newman and Al Muratsuchi. In a notable organizational shift, two major education groups — the California Teachers Association and the California Charter Schools Association — endorsed Richard Barrera, the San Diego Unified School District president, while Sonja Shaw received backing from both Republican gubernatorial candidates.
Early vote picture
With 46% of ballots counted as of 9:30 p.m., Sonja Shaw leads with 24.7% and Richard Barrera follows with 19.7%. These early tallies suggest a competitive primary where organizational endorsements did not guarantee immediate supremacy at the ballot box.
Lieutenant governor, controller and secretary of state
The largely ceremonial post of lieutenant governor carries board seats and the power to cast tie-breaking votes on certain bodies. Fundraising leaders in that contest included Josh Fryday (a cabinet member), Treasurer Fiona Ma and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Early returns (46% counted as of 9:30 p.m.) show Fiona Ma leading with 20.6%, followed by Romero at 19.6% and Fryday at 14.3%.
Incumbent Malia M. Cohen, the state’s chief accountant, is advancing in the controller race and will face Republican Herb W. Morgan, who campaigned on rooting out fraud. A third candidate, Meghann Adams of the Peace and Freedom Party, ran a progressive campaign. For secretary of state, Democratic incumbent Shirley Weber is heading to November to defend her role overseeing elections; Republican challenger Donald P. Wagner supports voter ID requirements and criticized ballot-count pacing.
Treasurer and fiscal management
The office of state treasurer manages public funds, investments and state borrowing. Two Democrats — Anna Caballero, previously chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis — raised sizable sums from unions, tribes and business donors. With 47% of votes reported as of 9:30 p.m., Kounalakis leads with 36.3%, followed by Republican Jennifer Hawks at 26.6%. The numbers point to a strong Democratic fundraising advantage translating into early vote strength.
Insurance commissioner and the Board of Equalization
California’s insurance market has faced pressure from wildfire risk and insurer withdrawals, making the insurance commissioner race closely watched. Candidates include former and current Democratic lawmakers Ben Allen and Steven Bradford, self-funded Democrat Patrick Wolff, Republican-endorsed insurance agent Stacy A. Korsgaden, and others. Early counts (47% in) show former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim leading with 24.1%, Ben Allen at 20.3% and Korsgaden at 17.5%.
What the Board of Equalization does and the early returns
The five-member Board of Equalization is the nation’s only elected tax board, with duties that include advising county assessors and setting taxable values for certain properties. Four districts were on the ballot and early results varied by district. With roughly 45% counted in District 1, Republican State Sen. Shannon Grove led with 36.1% to Democrat Nelson Esparza’s 30.5%. In District 2, incumbent Sally J. Lieber held an early majority at 53.7% (45% counted). District 3 returns (53% counted) had Assemblyman Mike Gipson leading with 27%. District 4 showed Republican Denis Bilodeau ahead with 47% and State Sen. Tom Umberg at 20.8% with 49% counted.
These early percentages provide a snapshot but are not final. Under California rules counties have up to 30 days to finish counting and the state then certifies results within its own time frame. The top-two system means the general election will feature the two primary finishers regardless of party, shaping the choices voters see in November.
