What to know about California's June 2 primary
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The June 2 primary is coming up, and California voters have a lot to decide.
Why it matters: More than a dozen statewide elections will alter the political landscape in the Golden State, from the crowded governor's race to the consequential campaign for insurance commissioner.
- The top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. (For a full list of candidates, check out California's official voter information guide.)
✍️ Governor: The wide field of candidates (61 in total!) to replace Gavin Newsom, who is terming out, includes San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, Republican political commentator Steve Hilton, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and others.
- Democrats Eric Swalwell and Betty Yee have both dropped out but will appear on the ballot.
💼 Lieutenant governor: From state treasurer Fiona Ma to Democrat-turned-Republican Gloria Romero, 16 people are running to be the state's second-in-command.
🗳️ Secretary of state: Incumbent Shirley Weber is seeking reelection as California's chief election officer against three challengers — Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner and Green Party candidates Gary Blenner and Michael Feinstein.
💵 Controller: Responsible for tracking state funds and auditing agencies, incumbent Malia Cohen faces off against investment officer Herb Morgan and bus driver union leader Meghann Adams.
➕ Treasurer: The race to succeed Ma, who is termed out, features six candidates, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and state Sen. Anna Caballero.
⚖️ Attorney general: Republican Michael Gates and Green Party candidate Marjorie Mikels are campaigning to replace incumbent Rob Bonta, who has served as California's chief law officer since 2021.
🔨 Insurance commissioner: Whoever comes out on top in this crowded field will set the agenda for regulating and investigating insurance companies amid rising costs and climate-induced wildfire risk, succeeding termed-out Ricardo Lara. Candidates include former San Francisco supervisor Jane Kim and Republican insurance agent Stacy Korsgaden.
🍎 State superintendent of public instruction: This nonpartisan position oversees California's public school system. Ten candidates are in the running.
Zoom in: San Diego County residents will also vote for U.S. Congress representatives, State Assembly representatives, Superior Court judges and County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
- Some will see San Diego County Board of Education and Board of Supervisors candidates on their ballots, along with some city offices, including mayor.
- San Diego residents will vote on Measure A (vacant homes tax) and City Council candidates in Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8.
- All Congressional representatives are also up for reelection, but the race for the 48th District is open and attracting the most attention and money.
- Stay tuned for Q&As with candidates in some of those races.
What's next: Return your ballot via U.S. Postal Service, put it in a drop box or vote in person at a neighborhood polling place on Election Day.
- You can also cast your ballot at the San Diego County registrar's office, now open for early voting.