Our View: Bakersfield Californian primary recommendations
During the past several weeks, The Californian has published in the Opinion section recommendations regarding federal, state and local primary races. The recommendations are based on candidate qualifications, experience and their proven abilities to respond to constituent needs.
Under California's primary system, the top two vote-getters in each state and federal race on the June 2 ballot will advance to a runoff in the November general election.
With the intention of providing information to assist readers with making their own decisions, The Californian is recommending the two best choices in each race. Voters will pick only one.
State offices
Governor – Because of the volatility of this race and 60 candidates competing, The Californian has no recommendation.
Lt. governor – Fiona Ma, D; and Gloria Romero, R
Attorney general – Rob Bonta, D; and Michael Gates, R
Secretary of state – Shirley Weber, D; and Donald Wagner, R
Treasurer – Eleni Kounalakis, D; and Anna Caballero, D
Insurance commissioner – Ben Allen, D; Merritt Farren, R
Controller – Malia Cohen, D; Herb Morgan, R
Superintendent of public instruction (nonpartisan) – Anthony Rendon, or Sonja Shaw.
Board of Equalization (District 1) – Shannon Grove, R; Nelson Esparza, D
Congress
District 20 – Vince Fong, R; Sandra Van Scotter, D
District 22 – David Valadao, R; Jasmeet Bains, D
State Senate
District 12 – Nathan Magsig, R (no second recommendation)
District 16 – Melissa Hurtado, D; Manpreet Kaur, D
Assembly
District 32 – David Couch, R (unopposed)
District 35 – Andrae Gonzales, D; Saul Ayon, R
Kern County races
Kern County races on the June 2 ballot are not bound by the top-two primary rule. A candidate and ballot measure receiving a simple majority of the vote - 50% plus one - can be elected in the primary.
Six county seats are on the ballot. All should be decided on June 2, allowing incumbents and experienced officeholders to continue to serve Kern County.
Measure A (Charter County) – NO
Auditor-Controller-Clerk – Aimee Espinoza (incumbent)
Assessor-Recorder – Laura Avila (incumbent, unopposed)
Treasurer-Tax Collector – Chase Nunneley (unopposed)
Superintendent of Schools – John Mendiburu (unopposed)
Board of Supervisors District 2 – Chris Parlier (incumbent)
Board of Supervisors District 3 – Jeff Flores (incumbent)
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 12:06 PM.