Ex-UK political aide and Biden cabinet secretary lead California governor primary vote count

In California's gubernatorial primary, former UK political aide Steve Hilton and ex-Biden cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra are leading the vote count as ballots are tallied. Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer is in third place. The contest, featuring over 60 candidates, will determine the top two contenders for the November general election, with the outcome potentially taking several days due to mail-in ballots. Becerra, a Democrat, has pledged to freeze insurance and utility rates, while Republican Hilton, endorsed by Donald Trump, proposes tax cuts and deregulation to make the state affordable. The race has been costly and complicated by a large Democratic field and the withdrawal of a prominent candidate.

California's primary elections on Tuesday appear to be setting up a gubernatorial race between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, who will vie to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Voters in six states, including California, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, Montana, and South Dakota, participated in these key contests that will influence the upcoming November midterms. In Iowa, businessman Zach Lahn defeated Trump-endorsed Representative Randy Feenstra in the Republican gubernatorial primary, demonstrating that Trump's endorsement is not always decisive. Iowa also set up a notable Senate race, with Democrat Josh Turek advancing to challenge Republican Ashley Hinson. These primaries are being closely watched as a measure of public support for President Trump.

California's consequential gubernatorial primary is approaching, with voters seeking a replacement for Governor Gavin Newsom. The state utilizes a "jungle primary" system where the top two finishers advance to the general election regardless of party. Recent polls indicate Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are leading, each with about 20% support, followed by Democrat Tom Steyer. Other notable candidates include Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan, Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, and Republican Chad Bianco. The race has seen significant spending, particularly from Tom Steyer, and the withdrawal of Eric Swalwell after allegations of sexual assault.

Former reality television star Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles, a city not led by a Republican in over two decades. A recent poll places Pratt in a tight race with Democratic candidates Karen Bass and Nithya Raman ahead of Tuesday's primary. Pratt, who gained fame on MTV's "The Hills," has leveraged social media and attention-grabbing campaign tactics, raising significantly more funds than his opponents. His campaign focuses on issues like homelessness and the city's response to recent devastating fires, where he lost his home. Despite his strong fundraising and unconventional approach, experts note the uphill battle he faces in the heavily Democratic city, with opponents criticizing his lack of experience and platform.