California holds primary to select governor and Los Angeles mayor finalists

California voters go to the polls Tuesday in a primary that will advance two candidates for governor and two for Los Angeles mayor. The same ballot tests newly drawn congressional districts that could affect the balance of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The governor's race is open because the current governor cannot run again. Sixty-one candidates are competing under the state's jungle primary system, which advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party.

Congressional map test The primary is the first election under a new congressional map approved through a voter initiative. The map was advanced after another state redrew its districts last year. Under the previous map, Democrats held 43 of the state's 52 House seats. The new lines are intended to move five seats toward the Democratic column.

mayor race Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces more than a dozen challengers. Voters have cited concerns over homelessness, housing costs, and recovery from the 2025 Palisades fire. Polls show the leading Republican candidate is a reality television personality. The top two finishers advance to the November general election.

Other races One closely watched congressional contest is in the agricultural Central Valley. The incumbent Republican representative is running against two Democratic candidates. Another seat, the 48th district, became open after the incumbent Republican chose not to run again.

The district now includes areas moved from a neighboring county. m. m. PDT. Results in close races may take several days because the state accepts mail ballots postmarked by Election Day.