Overview
- California voters are casting ballots Tuesday, June 2, in a top‑two primary that advances the two highest vote‑getters to the November general election regardless of party.
- Late May surveys place Republican Steve Hilton in the lead with roughly 20–25 percent while Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer remain within striking distance.
- The ballot is highly fragmented with 61 registered candidates and most trailing in single digits, increasing the risk that vote splitting will shape who moves on.
- State election rules matter to the outcome because polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., mail ballots postmarked by June 2 are accepted, same‑day registration is available, and many counties will continue counting mail ballots after polls close.
- Partisan calculations and high‑profile endorsements are shaping tactics for November as party leaders watch whether the top‑two result produces a Republican versus Democrat matchup, two Democrats, or an unusual two‑Republican final; Eric Swalwell’s April exit helped consolidate some Democratic support behind Becerra.