Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 10
Becerra, Hilton Advance in California Governor Race as Bass, Raman Reach LA Runoff With 290,000 Votes
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 10

Becerra, Hilton Advance in California Governor Race as Bass, Raman Reach LA Runoff With 290,000 Votes

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 10

Summary

  • Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton moved into California's November governor showdown after a week of ballot counting, with Becerra topping 2.39 million votes and Hilton exceeding 2.13 million.
  • Karen Bass and Nithya Raman also advanced in Los Angeles' mayoral contest, where Bass had more than 290,000 votes and Raman over 245,000 as late-counted ballots reshaped the field.
  • Raman, a progressive City Council member, overtook Spencer Pratt after he briefly held second place in early returns, setting up a left-flank challenge to incumbent Bass.
  • California's nonpartisan jungle primary sends the top two finishers to the general election regardless of party, and officials are due to certify results on June 26.

Insights

With two mayoral candidates from the same party, can Los Angeles finally see a breakthrough on its persistent homelessness crisis?
Does California's 'jungle primary' truly reduce political polarization, or does it ultimately just limit final voter choice?
How will the next governor fund ambitious promises while the state faces a structural deficit and projected weak job growth?