Politics

A person in a suit stands behind a podium, smiling and clasping their hands, with two microphones positioned in front of them against a large campaign-style backdrop.

Politics

Democrat Xavier Becerra advances to November race for California governor

After a heated race with a crowd of Democratic candidates, Xavier Becerra pulled ahead of rival Republican Steve Hilton in election results returned Friday. Becerra's challenger is not known yet.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 5, 2026

A voter stands at a privacy booth casting a ballot while election workers sit at tables in the foreground of a polling place.

Politics

The top-two primary was supposed to change California politics. Did it flop?

California voters approved a top-two primary election designed to encourage moderation. But in most races, it ends in a conventional Democrat vs. Republican. Some are ready to scrap the top two.

By Ben Christopher and Jeanne Kuang • June 4, 2026

An elderly person wearing a blue blazer and red tie looks forward while standing inside a room with various bins and a U.S. flag in the background.

Politics

Election denier likely loses job in Shasta County. But voters back hand-counting ballots

In the troubled Shasta County elections office, a journalist alleges a worker pulled a stun gun. Voters, meanwhile, appear ready to oust an election-denying clerk.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 3, 2026

A person in a suit and glasses smiles and claps while standing onstage near a microphone.

Politics

Five takeaways from California’s election, from Congress to the governor’s race

California's wild and wide-open primary election came to a close Tuesday with voters consolidating behind leading candidates for their parties.

By Ben Christopher • June 3, 2026

An elderly person wearing a beige hat and green shirt, leans down as they fill out their ballot while standing in front of a red and blue voting booth. A blurred person can be seen walking by in the foreground of the frame.

Politics

Update: Who’s winning California’s statewide races?

Californians are voting on more than just the next governor. They’ll determine the general election candidates for eight other statewide offices.

By Kate Wolffe • June 2, 2026

A woman wearing a white blazer speaks into a handheld microphone outdoors, with American and California flags in the background.

Education

Shaw, Barrera win state superintendent primary, advance to November election

The Chino and San Diego school board members will vie to oversee California's 10,000 public K-12 schools.

By Carolyn Jones • June 2, 2026

A person speaks into a microphone at an indoor political event, standing between banners reading “People Over Profit” and “Worker Billionaires.”

Politics

Kim, Allen lead in California insurance watchdog race

Have you lost your insurance or seen your premiums rise? The commissioner regulates the nation’s biggest insurance market and faces a complex set of issues as wildfire risk grows.

By Levi Sumagaysay • June 2, 2026

The dome of the California State Capitol rises above the building’s white facade under a clear blue sky. Ornamental architectural details line the roof, and an American flag flies at half-staff near the right side of the frame. Trees partially border the scene on both sides.

Politics

Will Trump’s waning popularity pull down California Republicans? Tuesday’s election offers a clue

Tuesday’s election results may offer an early clue about how vulnerable legislative California Republicans will fare in November

By Yue Stella Yu • June 2, 2026

Politics

California House races could decide the majority in Congress. Who survived the primary?

The fight for control of Congress runs through California. Proposition 50 eliminated all but two competitive districts, and Democrats are jockeying for position in several races pitting them against each other.

By Maya C. Miller • June 2, 2026

Elections

Live California election results

Here are California's 2026 primary election results for governor, other statewide offices, Congress and Legislature.

By CalMatters Staff • June 2, 2026