California Primary Election Updates and Projections

California voters anxiously awaited results from the recent primary elections, with key contests including the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races. Vote counting continued more than 36 hours after the polls closed. Under California’s top-two primary system, the two leading candidates advance to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation.

Gubernatorial Race Developments

As of Thursday morning, CBS News had not projected any candidates to advance in the governor’s race, aiming to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, and Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, seemed likely to progress. Democratic billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer aimed for a late surge as the count continued.

Hilton, advocating for change, referred to his initial success as a sign of Californians seeking a new direction. “We’re not there yet, but it’s looking good,” he stated. Becerra felt confident about advancing, saying he was “on track for November.” Several prominent Democrats conceded, including former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another notable Republican candidate, had not conceded by Thursday morning.

Los Angeles Mayoral Race

In Los Angeles, CBS News projected Mayor Karen Bass would proceed to a runoff election in November. The identity of her opponent remains uncertain. This race poses a rare challenge for an incumbent mayor in the heavily Democratic city. All three candidates, including Bass, Spencer Pratt, and city council member Nithya Raman, were nearly tied according to polls.

“I haven’t seen a race this close in decades,” stated campaign strategist Luis Alvarado. Bass garnered strong early support and earned a CBS News projection quickly. Pratt, critical of the city’s management of fires and homelessness, initially showed promise but slowed during subsequent ballot updates.

Vote Counting Timeline

The California Secretary of State indicates counties have 30 days to count ballots provisionally. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by election day, but are counted if received within seven days. Here are the expected update times for major areas:

• Los Angeles County: Thursday between 4-5 p.m. PT
• Orange County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
• San Diego County: Thursday by 6 p.m. PT
• Riverside County: Thursday by 6 p.m. PT
• San Bernardino County: Thursday by 4 p.m. PT
• Santa Clara County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
• San Mateo County: Thursday by 4:30 p.m. PT
• San Francisco City and County: Thursday by 4 p.m. PT
• Marin County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
• Sacramento County: Friday by 4:15 p.m. PT