5 Takeaways From the California Primary Election
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Xavier Becerra, a former Biden administration official, appeared poised for a comeback in the California governor’s race based on early election returns.
- Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by President Trump, also seemed likely to advance to the general election.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was confirmed to proceed to the November election, with her opponent potentially being Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star awaiting final ballot counts.
- Both Hilton and Pratt, Republicans with television backgrounds, aimed to capitalize on voter frustration with Democratic dominance, though they face steep challenges in a state long controlled by Democrats.
- The primary saw strategic voting, with Democrats splitting their vote among many candidates and Republicans consolidating behind Hilton after Trump’s endorsement, altering the race dynamics.