California Primary Narrows to Two Candidates for Governor

Early returns from California's primary election for governor show two candidates positioned to advance to the November general election under the state's top-two system. The leading contenders are a Republican former media figure and a Democrat who previously served as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. A Democratic environmental activist trails in third place as counting continues.

California's top-two primary advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party. The field included candidates with experience in federal, state and local government as well as business and media. Several candidates conceded on election night, including a former Orange County representative, the mayor of San Jose and a former Los Angeles mayor.

Instruction and Riverside County Sheriff remain in the contest alongside the top three. Polling before the election showed no clear front-runner and a large share of undecided voters.

Cost of living ranked as the top concern for voters, with 70 percent describing housing costs as unmanageable in a recent survey. Candidates addressed homelessness, energy policy, public safety and housing affordability throughout the campaign. >"The governor's office is not a place with training wheels.

" — Candidate statement during April debate Voter confidence in the state's future remains low, with only 7 percent saying the California Dream is still attainable.