California’s June 2 primary delivered a political shock, with Republican Steve Hilton leading the open primary for governor and Republican newcomer Spencer Pratt in position to challenge Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in November.
Hilton, a former Fox News host and Trump-backed candidate, was ahead in the race for governor, with Democrat Xavier Becerra also positioned to advance under California’s top-two “jungle primary” system. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer remained close enough to keep the race unsettled as mail-in ballots continued to be counted.
In Los Angeles, Bass advanced to the runoff but failed to win outright. Pratt, a former reality TV personality running as a Republican, was holding second place, though progressive City Council member Nithya Raman was still close behind. The result reflects growing voter anger over homelessness, crime, cost of living, and the failures of one-party Democratic rule in California.
The results are not final, and California’s slow mail-in ballot count means the final lineup could still shift. But the message is already clear: even in one of America’s bluest states, voters are showing signs of rebellion against the progressive establishment.
