California's vote count left several races unresolved late Tuesday night, but with nearly half of the votes counted in both the gubernatorial primary and the Los Angeles mayor's race, both appear headed for runoffs that include Republicans.
With 47% of the vote counted in the California gubernatorial contest, Republican Steve Hilton led the field of more than 60 candidates with 26.9% support, narrowly ahead of Democrat Xavier Becerra, who had 25.8% of the vote. Both were solidly ahead of billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, who was at 19.7%. The top two finishers will advance to a runoff in November's general election.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic strategists pointed to the crowded field as a factor that fragmented their party's support. Several prominent California Democrats passed on the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta, leaving lesser-known candidates to compete for position. Democratic analysts argued that party infrastructure and resources would shift significantly in Becerra's favor heading into the runoff.
Progressive groups noted concern about the large number of undecided voters reflected in pre-election polling, suggesting voter preferences remain fluid ahead of November. The California Democratic Party has not yet issued an official endorsement in the race, with negotiations ongoing over which candidate will receive institutional support.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican officials celebrated Hilton's strong position, framing his lead as a sign that California voters are seeking alternatives to traditional Democratic governance. Republican National Committee chairman described the results as evidence of shifting political winds in a state where the GOP has struggled for decades.
Conservative commentators argued that Becerra's second-place finish exposed vulnerabilities in the Democratic establishment's preferred candidate. Several Republican groups announced plans to mobilize resources for Hilton, citing his potential appeal to suburban voters and independents frustrated with one-party control in Sacramento.
What the Numbers Show
In the gubernatorial race: Steve Hilton (R) 26.9%, Xavier Becerra (D) 25.8%, Tom Steyer (D) 19.7%. More than 60 candidates competed for the state's top executive office, with polls showing a large contingent of undecided voters in the final weeks before the primary.
In the Los Angeles mayoral race: incumbent Karen Bass (D) led with 36.6% support from 47% of counted votes, while Republican Spencer Pratt had received 29.5%. Far-left Councilmember Nithya Raman trailed with 20.8%. California allows mayoral candidates to appear without party affiliation, and the top two vote-getters advance to a November runoff if neither receives more than 50%.
If Bass fails to secure a majority, she will be the first incumbent L.A. mayor to advance to a runoff since 2005.
The Bottom Line
Both races will now focus on November runoffs that could test California's political direction in an election year. Republican advancement in both contests signals competitive general election matchups in traditionally Democratic strongholds. What happens next: voters should watch for campaign finance filings, polling data from the runoff period, and any shifts in party endorsements as candidates prepare for the final push toward November.