As of Wednesday afternoon, millions of ballots are still being counted in California, leaving the primary results for the governor and Los Angeles mayoral races uncalled. This slow counting process is typical for California due to its vote counting procedures and the deadline for ballot submissions, which allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive later.
The primary highlighted California's "jungle primary" system, where the top two candidates advance regardless of party affiliation. Concerns were raised among Democrats that a divided field might allow two Republican candidates to advance. Currently, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra appears likely to advance in the gubernatorial race, while incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is set for a runoff, marking the first time since 2005 that a sitting LA mayor did not win reelection outright.
Republican Steve Hilton leads the gubernatorial race, potentially preventing an all-Democratic contest. Bass faces challenges from city council member Nithya Raman and Republican Spencer Pratt, whose campaign has gained traction. Voter reluctance to support a single candidate in both races has contributed to slow ballot returns, with many expressing dissatisfaction with their options and the Democratic leadership.
Dan Walters, a columnist at CalMatters, noted the unusual nature of this election cycle, highlighting the absence of a clear frontrunner and the reluctance of prominent figures to enter the race. He pointed out that the lack of a natural candidate led to a crowded field of 61 candidates, with only a few considered serious contenders.
Walters also discussed the structural challenges facing California's governance, including issues like homelessness, budget deficits, and education performance. He mentioned that the top-two primary system, implemented in 2010, has been met with mixed feelings among party leaders, particularly after this election cycle raised concerns about potential Republican dominance.
The results from other races indicate a rejection of more progressive candidates, as evidenced by the performance of Tom Steyer, who spent $200 million on his campaign but did not gain significant support. Walters suggested that this reflects a broader sentiment among voters who may perceive the Democratic Party as leaning too far left.
