Everything to know about the California 2026 primary
Ballots for the June 2 primary are arriving in mailboxes across the Central Valley and California. While some high-profile races are drawing broad attention, much of what’s on the ballot is closer to home, including legislative seats and city and county leadership races that could influence public policy for years. Statewide, certain races could redefine the political landscape because of Proposition 50’s passage. This guide breaks down the major races and issues, offering context and key details to help you make informed choices before Election Day.
Statewide races
Governor
Eight major candidates are competing in a crowded, high-stakes race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. A late-stage debate and recent shakeups could reshape the volatile field before voting begins.
Lt. Governor
Five viable candidates with low name recognition are vying in the primary for lieutenant governor, a largely ceremonial role. Fundraising strength and high-profile endorsements could determine which two hopefuls advance.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State race features an incumbent Democrat with a clear advantage in a heavily blue state. The office oversees elections and business filings, and has served as a springboard to higher office.
Attorney General
Three candidates are competing to become California’s attorney general, the state’s top law enforcement official. The position carries broad legal authority and frequently places its holder at the center of major political and policy fights.
State Treasurer
Six candidates are running for state treasurer, who manages California’s finances and investment portfolios. The next officeholder will help navigate budget deficits and fund major infrastructure and public programs.
State Controller
Incumbent controller Malia Cohen faces two challengers in a low-profile race. The office oversees state spending, audits agencies and will confront payroll system issues.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Eight candidates are competing for state superintendent of public instruction, a nonpartisan role shaping education policy. The next schools chief could see the job’s authority reduced under a proposed overhaul by Newsom.
Insurance Commissioner
More than 10 candidates are competing for insurance commissioner, a high-pressure role overseeing a troubled market. Frustration over rising costs and coverage gaps has made it one of the most crowded statewide races.
Board of Equalization, 1st District
Voters will choose a new Board of Equalization member for a sprawling district covering much of inland California. The board retains a limited tax oversight role, and one candidate holds a clear fundraising edge.
Congress
13th House District
Incumbent Rep. Adam Gray faces two Republican challengers in a closely watched Central Valley swing district. Despite a Democratic tilt after redistricting, the race remains competitive and nationally targeted.
20th House District
Three challengers — including a Democrat and two no-party-preference candidates — are running against Rep. Vince Fong in the heavily Republican district spanning Clovis and Bakersfield.
21st House District
Several challengers from both parties are running against longtime Rep. Jim Costa in a Central Valley district spanning Fresno and Tulare counties. Costa leads in fundraising, with the closest Republican trailing significantly.
22th House District
Rep. David Valadao faces two Democratic challengers in a closely watched Central Valley battleground, where shifting voter registration has kept the race competitive despite the Republican incumbent's fundraising advantage.
Legislature
12th Senate District
Three candidates are running to replace Sen. Shannon Grove in a foothill district spanning parts of Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties, with a well-funded Republican supervisor leading the race.
14th Senate District
Three candidates are competing for an open seat covering parts of Fresno, Madera and Merced counties, with a Democratic assemblymember holding a dominant fundraising advantage.
16th Senate District
Three candidates are running to represent parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties, where incumbent Melissa Hurtado faces Democrat Manpreet Kaur and Republican Guillermo Gonzalez.
8th Assembly District
Republican David Tangipa is running unopposed for reelection in a district that encompasses parts of the Central Valley and the Sierra. The first-term lawmaker has emerged as a vocal critic of Democratic leadership.
27th Assembly District
Three candidates are running for an open seat spanning west Fresno, Madera and much of Merced County, where water, agriculture and economic growth are central issues, with two well-funded frontrunners.
31st Assembly District
Three candidates are competing for an open state Assembly seat centered in Fresno. Two Democrats lead in fundraising, with one significantly ahead, while the lone Republican has reported far less financial support.
33rd Assembly District
Incumbent Alexandra Macedo faces former Lindsay mayor Hipolito Cerros in a race to represent parts of Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties, with agriculture, water and public safety key issues.
Local races
Fresno Board of Supervisors, 1st District
Six are competing for an open seat covering west Fresno neighborhoods and westside communities like Firebaugh, Kerman and Mendota, with growth, agriculture and development funding central to the race.
Fresno Board of Supervisors, 4th District
Five are competing for an open seat spanning rural south and southeast Fresno County, from communities like Selma, Parlier and Huron, with public safety and agriculture being central issues.
Fresno City Council, 1st District
Four candidates are running for an open seat covering the city's northwest and west-central neighborhoods. Two candidates have raised six figures, while the others report minimal fundraising in the race.
Fresno City Council, 3rd District
Seven candidates are competing for an open seat covering downtown and southwest neighborhoods, with Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula leading fundraising in a crowded, open-field primary.
Fresno City Council, 5th District
Four candidates are running in southeast Fresno’s District 5, where incumbent Brandon Vang faces a competitive reelection bid and holds a fundraising lead over his challengers.
Fresno City Council, 7th District
Four candidates are competing to replace a termed-out councilmember in east-central Fresno, where issues like aging infrastructure, homelessness responses and reinvestment along the Blackstone corridor dominate the race.
Kings County Board of Supervisors
Three candidates are running to replace a longtime supervisor in a Kings County district centered on Lemoore and Stratford, with water access, farming and public safety shaping the race.
Tulare County Board of Supervisors
Three candidates are running for the north Tulare County seat, where incumbent Eddie Valero — the board’s only Latino supervisor — faces Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza and ag business owner Ian Bakke.
Madera County Board of Supervisors
Three seats are on the June ballot, including two incumbent challenges and a four-candidate contest for an open foothill seat. Fundraising varies widely across the districts.
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Three longstanding figures in the local education scene are vying to be named the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in the June primary election.
Fresno Superior Court Judges
Six contested judicial races appear on the ballot — an unusually high number driven by open seats — with commissioners, prosecutors and defense attorneys competing in typically low-profile contests.
This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 5:00 AM.