American politician; past Los Angeles mayor
A California gubernatorial debate was canceled after controversy over candidate selection criteria, which excluded several candidates of color. The university defended its data-driven approach but reversed course following political pressure, highlighting ongoing debates over fairness in candidate inclusion.
A crowded field of seven candidates has faced off ahead of California’s June 2 primary. Debates have aired on CNN and NBC, with topics ranging from gas prices to homelessness, immigration, and the state’s high-cost economy. The race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom remains unsettled as voters head toward mail-in ballots.
Early mail ballots have surged in California ahead of the June 2 primary, with Republicans leading in early returns and Democrats tightening in second place. Data from Political Data Intelligence shows Republicans at 37% and Democrats at 41% of ballots returned, while independents/other make up 22%. Analysts caution that these numbers are early and may shift as campaigns unfold.
California Democrats confront national tensions as impeachment talk resurfaces. A California Democrat has said impeachment isn’t off the table, while Trump faces new legal and political pressure. The debate plays into a broader midterm calculu s as voters weigh leadership and accountability.
A coalition of states and the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
California has held its jungle primary today, June 2, 2026, to narrow a crowded field for governor, Los Angeles mayor and new congressional districts. Polling had placed Democrat Xavier Becerra, Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton near the top; results will determine whether Democrats avoid splitting the vote and how the new map reshapes House races.
Xavier Becerra has advanced from California’s jungle primary to the November runoff after a late, come-from-behind surge that overtook early leader Steve Hilton. Officials have continued counting mail ballots this week to finalise whether billionaire Tom Steyer or Republican Steve Hilton will take the second slot; California has statutory deadlines for late-arriving ballots.
The Los Angeles mayoral primary remains undecided as ballots continue to be counted. Bass has advanced to the November runoff, while Raman has gained a narrow lead over Pratt for the second slot as mail ballots are tallied.