Overview
- With one week until the June 2 primary, polls show Republican Steve Hilton at 22%, Democrat Xavier Becerra at 21% and Democrat Tom Steyer at 15%, leaving the race bunched near the top.
- California’s top-two open primary advances the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party, which creates a realistic chance of two same-party finalists.
- Only about 8% of mailed ballots had been returned as of May 26, so election officials are urging voters to mail ballots at least five days before June 2 or use drop boxes or in-person voting to ensure counting.
- County officials start reporting tallies on Election Night but have 30 days to finalize counts and the state has up to 38 days to certify results, so late-arriving ballots can affect final outcomes.
- A crowded field, recent debates and earlier withdrawals by prominent figures have left campaigns focused on turnout and small shifts in voter support that could determine which two candidates advance.