The political landscape in California remains fluid as the state’s 2026 primary elections unfold. With a significant portion of ballots yet to be counted, key races for governor and several House seats hang in the balance, reflecting the state’s dynamic and often unpredictable political climate.

The gubernatorial contest, in particular, has captured national attention, with three main candidates vying for the top two spots in the general election. This race, along with several competitive House primaries, underscores the shifting priorities and frustrations within the Golden State’s electorate.

The Governor’s Race: A Three-Way Contest

The California governor’s race has become a three-way battle between former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and two Democrats: former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire activist Tom Steyer. With less than 60% of the expected vote counted, the outcome remains uncertain.

Hilton has taken an early lead with 28% of the vote, followed closely by Becerra at 25% and Steyer at 20%. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco trails behind with 11%, making him the only other candidate in double digits. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election.

Candidates Rally Supporters

As the evening progressed, all three leading candidates addressed their supporters, expressing optimism and determination. Hilton, narrowly in first place, told allies that it was “looking good” and that Californians might have the chance to “vote for change” in November. Meanwhile, Becerra reflected on his “underdog story,” emphasizing his resilience and determination. Steyer, despite the vote deficit, struck a hopeful note, pledging to wait for every ballot to be counted.

Key House Races: Battleground Districts

Several House races in California also remain too close to call, with significant implications for the state’s political future. In the 22nd District, two Democrats are locked in a tight race for the second spot against incumbent GOP Rep. David Valadao. School board member Randy Villegas holds a slight lead over state legislator Jasmeet Bains, with less than half of the expected vote tallied.

In Northern California’s 6th District, Rep. Kevin Kiley, who switched to independent this election cycle, is engaged in a tight race with Democrat Richard Pan and Republican Michael Stansfield. The lead has been trading back and forth between Stansfield and Pan, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest.

Outside California: Montana’s 1st District

Beyond California, Democrats see an opportunity to challenge for one of Montana’s red-tinted congressional districts following Rep. Ryan Zinke‘s retirement. In the Montana’s 1st District primary, Democrats Sam Forstag and Ryan Busse are separated by just 4 percentage points with 95% of the expected vote tallied.

The Los Angeles Mayoral Race: A Referendum on Bass

The Los Angeles mayoral race has become a referendum on incumbent Karen Bass, who faces challenges from both the left and the right. Bass is projected to advance to a November runoff, but it’s unclear whether she’ll face Republican Spencer Pratt or Democrat Nithya Raman. With 63% of the expected vote tallied, Bass leads with 35%, followed by Pratt at 30% and Raman at 22%.

Raman, addressing her supporters on election night, acknowledged that the race might not be decided for days. Pratt, meanwhile, looked ahead to a potential matchup with Bass, expressing excitement about the opportunity to reach more voters. Bass herself projected optimism, telling her backers that “it’s looking good” so far.

Frustration with the Democratic Status Quo

The primary elections in California reflect a broader sense of frustration with the Democratic status quo. In both the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races, candidates are challenging the traditional Democratic narrative, highlighting issues such as homelessness, crime, and the high cost of living. This frustration has opened the door for conservative outsiders like Pratt and Hilton to gain traction in a solidly liberal state.

As the vote counting continues, the political landscape in California remains in flux. The outcomes of these key races will not only shape the state’s future but also provide insights into the shifting priorities and frustrations of its electorate.