BY TYLER DURDEN
WEDNESDAY, JUN 03, 2026 – 12:29 AM
Update (0030ET): Voters in six states went to the polls today for key primaries. While many races followed expectations, California delivered notable early drama with slow-counting mail ballots still to come.
California Governor (Top-Two Primary)
The race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom remains the biggest story. In a crowded nonpartisan jungle primary, early returns (approx. 45-50% counted) show:
- Steve Hilton (R) leading at ~26.7%
- Xavier Becerra (D) close behind at ~25.8%
- Tom Steyer (D) trailing at ~19.6%
Los Angeles Mayoral Primary
Incumbent Karen Bass (D) leads with ~36.5-38% (46%+ counted), followed by a strong surge from Spencer Pratt (R) at ~30%. Nithya Raman (D) trails at ~20%. Bass and Pratt are heavily favored to advance to the November runoff. Pratt’s performance reflects voter frustration with homelessness, crime, and city governance.
Source:
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/california-iowa-4-other-states-hold-primaries-key-races-watch