Update:8:15 p.m. PT Wednesday, June 17
Republican Steve Hilton will advance to the November election as one of the top two spots in the closely watched primary race for California governor, according to projected calls from the Associated Press, Reuters and NBC News.
California’s primary results have been shifting as counties continue to count ballots, but the outlines of several marquee races are coming into focus.
In the governor’s race, Democrat Xavier Becerra clinched a place on the November ballot shortly after Election Day.
In Los Angeles, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman are now projected to advance to the November runoff, a turnaround from early returns that briefly put Raman on the outside looking in. Late-counted ballots pushed her past Spencer Pratt, securing a spot in what will become a high-profile general election matchup.
Across key U.S. House contests, the picture is starting to solidify, though some movement continues as late ballots are counted. In District 4, Rep. Mike Thompson has advanced, and Democrat Eric Jones has moved ahead of Republican Ray Riehle for the second spot, putting a potential all-Democrat November matchup into focus. In District 6, Democrat Richard Pan has strengthened his hold on second and is now positioned to face Kevin Kiley in November. District 7 has effectively settled into a Democrat-on-Democrat race, with Rep. Doris Matsui advancing alongside Mai Vang as the Republican candidate faded. In District 22, Rep. David Valadao has secured a spot in the general election and will face Democrat Randy Villegas.
California’s extended vote-counting process means ballots postmarked by Election Day are still being tallied, and those late returns can meaningfully shift margins in competitive races. This page tracks the latest verified vote totals, projections, and what to watch as the count continues in the days ahead.
Check back for the latest vote counts, updated standings, and what the remaining ballots could mean in tight contests.
Latest California primary results (Updated daily)
Governor’s race
Becerra and Hilton have advanced to the general election, as projected by the Associated Press, NBC News and Decision Desk HQ.
Los Angeles mayor
Bass and Raman have advanced to the general election, as projected by the Associated Press and NBC News.
U.S. House District 4
Thompson has moved on to the November election. Second place is too close to call, but Jones has eclipsed Riehle as late ballots come in, possibly making the November runoff an all Democrat contest.
U.S. House District 6
Top two move on to November. Since Election Day, Pan has slowly moved into a stronger position to move on to a November contest against Riley.
U.S. House District 7
Veteran Democrat incumbent Matsui will face Vang, a Sacramento City Council member, in the General Election. Vang is running as the more progressive alternative to the more moderate Matsui. As post-Election Day mail-in ballots come in, the Republican faded.
U.S. House District 22
Valadao, the incumbent, will move on to the November general election against Villegas, which is shaping up to be a bruising contest.
What’s left to count
Even after election night, a significant share of ballots remain uncounted in California. These can meaningfully shift margins — especially in close races.
Outstanding ballots typically include:
Where changes are most likely:
What to watch:
Timeline: What happens next
Day 2–3 after Election Day
End of week 1
Weeks 2–4
County certification deadline
State certification
USA TODAY reporter Natalie Neysa Alund contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Hilton, Becerra to vie for California governor, AP and NBC News project
Reporting by James Ward, Noe Padilla and Paris Barraza, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By James Ward, Noe Padilla and Paris Barraza, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
