The 2026 California Attorney General primary election has captured the attention of voters across the state. With mail-in ballots still being counted, the race remains dynamic, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the Golden State. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election in November.

The primary election process in California is unique, with most voters casting their ballots by mail. This method has become a hallmark of California’s electoral system, allowing for greater voter participation but also extending the time frame for result reporting. In the 2026 primary, it took nearly two weeks for 95% of the results to be reported, a trend that is likely to repeat in this year’s election.

Statewide Results and Key Candidates

As of 9:50 PM ET, the statewide results show a tight race between the leading candidates. Rob Bonta the incumbent Democrat, has secured 54.6% of the vote, while Michael E. Gates the Republican candidate, has garnered 40.4%. Marjorie Mikels representing the Green Party, has received 5.0% of the vote.

The open primary system in California ensures that the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will proceed to the general election. This system has been in place since 2010 and has led to some unexpected matchups in previous elections. With such a significant lead, Bonta and Gates are poised to face off in the November general election.

County-by-County Breakdown

The results vary significantly across California’s counties, highlighting the state’s political diversity. In Los Angeles County Bonta leads with a 29-point margin securing 70% of the vote. Meanwhile, in Orange County Gates holds a 6-point lead with 59% of the vote reported.

San Diego County shows a narrower margin, with Bonta leading by 8 points and 74% of the vote counted. In contrast, Riverside County favors Gates by 3 points with 59% of the vote in. These variations underscore the importance of regional politics in shaping the

Other notable counties include Santa Clara where Bonta leads by 32 points and San Bernardino where Gates holds a 4-point lead. The results in these counties reflect the broader trends seen across the state, with urban areas generally favoring Bonta and more rural counties supporting Gates.

Notable Outliers and Close Races

Some counties have shown unexpected results, adding to the intrigue of the election. In San Luis Obispo County Gates leads by a razor-thin margin of 0.67 points with 42% of the vote counted. Similarly, in Napa County Bonta holds a 20-point lead with 43% of the vote in.

The close races in these counties highlight the importance of every vote in determining the final outcome. As more ballots are counted, the margins in these counties could shift significantly, potentially impacting the

The 2026 California Attorney General primary election is a testament to the state’s dynamic political landscape. With mail-in ballots still being processed, the results continue to evolve, reflecting the diverse opinions and preferences of California’s voters. As the election season progresses, all eyes will be on the Golden State to see how the final results unfold.