California's June 2 Primary: Your Guide to a Historic Ballot

On June 2, Sacramento voters and Californians statewide will head to the polls for a primary election that’s shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited out after two terms, there’s no incumbent running for the state’s top job—and that’s creating a wide-open race that could ripple far beyond California’s borders.

Here’s what makes this election matter beyond just local politics: California is voting not only on a new governor, but also on congressional seats using freshly redrawn district maps under Proposition 50. Those maps were California Democrats’answer to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. Translation? The outcomes here could shift the balance of power in Congress itself. That’s not hyperbole—midterm elections without a presidential race on the ballot are historically when power shifts happen.

For gubernatorial hopefuls, the Democratic field is crowded and contentious. Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden and ex-California attorney general, is pushing tax hikes on the ultra-wealthy and a state of emergency on housing. Matt Mahan, San Jose’s mayor, wants to suspend the 61-cent gas tax and tackle homelessness through fast-tracked construction. Tom Steyer, the billionaire climate activist, is proposing a million new homes in four years and a universal single-payer health care system. On the Republican side, Steve Hilton (former Fox News commentator) and Chad Bianco (Riverside County sheriff) are making pitches centered on lower costs and less regulation. Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor and California Assembly speaker, is banking on infrastructure and housing reform. Katie Porter, a former congresswoman, is running on affordability and education access. And Tony Thurmond, the current California Superintendent, is pushing higher taxes on billionaires and expanded health care.

California’s top-two primary system means the top two vote-getters—regardless of party—advance to November. That twist alone could shake up conventional wisdom. The Democratic Party chair has even urged lower-polling Democrats to drop out to avoid splitting the vote and accidentally letting a Republican sneak through to the general.

Beyond the governor’s race, you’re also choosing statewide officers: Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Each of these roles carries real power over your wallet, your schools, your safety, and your rights. The Superintendent race is particularly charged right now—Governor Newsom is pushing to strip the superintendent’s authority and hand it to a governor-appointed Board of Education instead. That power struggle is playing out as voters choose the next superintendent.

If you missed the May 18 voter registration deadline, don’t panic. California still allows Same Day Voter Registration from May 19 through June 2 at early voting locations and on Election Day itself. Starting May 23, 30 counties will open vote centers under the Voter’s Choice Act, giving you 10 extra days to cast a ballot. Polls on June 2 open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you’re voting by mail, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9 to count.

This is the moment California decides not just who leads the state for the next four years, but potentially who controls Congress. Your ballot on June 2 carries weight.