Key facts
- Xavier Becerra is leading the California governor primary.
- Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton are competing for second place in the California governor primary.
- California's primary system allows the top two candidates to advance regardless of party.
- Donald Trump has endorsed candidates challenging California Democrats.
- Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump, is running for California governor.
- Deb Haaland won the Democratic primary for New Mexico Governor.
- Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms have secured a substantial lead in Georgia.
- Republican candidates are competing in a runoff election in Georgia.
- An antisemitic conspiracy theorist received significant votes in the California gubernatorial election.
- Barack D. Obama Shaw is running for California governor.
Xavier Becerra is currently leading the primary election for California governor, with Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton competing for the second spot. California's 'jungle primary' system allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election, irrespective of their party. Eric Swalwell's earlier withdrawal from the race is seen as a contributing factor to Becerra's current momentum. Hours before polls opened, Steyer's odds had decreased, with Becerra emerging as the favorite, a shift from earlier polling that showed Steyer tied for the lead.
Donald Trump has actively endorsed candidates challenging the Democratic establishment in California's primary elections. Among these is Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for governor and former reality TV star, who expressed confidence in a strong Republican performance, citing voter enthusiasm and the impact of Trump's endorsement. Trump's endorsements are aimed at capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with current leadership. In other gubernatorial races, Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary, has won the Democratic primary for New Mexico Governor, positioning her to potentially become the first Native American woman governor. In Georgia, Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms have secured substantial leads in their respective races, while Republican candidates are headed for a runoff election.
The California gubernatorial race has also seen an antisemitic conspiracy theorist, linked to Charlie Kirk, receive a significant number of votes despite widespread condemnation. Another candidate, Barack D. Obama Shaw, legally changed his name over a decade ago and is running for California governor, distinct from the former U.S. President. In a separate statewide contest, Republican Sonja Shaw is leading the primary for California's Superintendent of Public Instruction, benefiting from a split among Democratic contenders. Political strategist Harrison Fields noted that Trump's endorsement in the South Carolina governor's primary was predictable based on polling data and predicted a victory for Governor Evette.