Chaos in California: state braces for its most turbulent election in years | US politics
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-30 09:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Californians Frustrated Ahead of Primary Elections
As California gears up for its primary elections on June 2, voters are expressing frustration and uncertainty in a political landscape marked by a lack of consensus among candidates. The race to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has coalesced into a tight three-way contest among Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton. Meanwhile, Los Angeles voters are divided over whether to support embattled Mayor Karen Bass or consider her challengers.
Political Landscape and Voter Sentiment
In a state where Democrats hold a two-to-one advantage in voter registration, the uncertainty surrounding the elections is striking. Notably, former President Donald Trump lost California by more than 20 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, and no Republican has won statewide office since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election in 2006.
Recent surveys indicate that about half of Californians believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, with three-quarters expressing dissatisfaction with the national situation. Only around 30% of likely voters approve of Trump’s job performance, reflecting a significant disconnect between the former president and California voters.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
Democratic voters are particularly concerned about potential interference from the Trump administration in the state’s elections. This anxiety is compounded by fears that Republican redistricting efforts could jeopardize congressional control. As the midterm elections approach, Democrats are positioned to potentially reclaim control of the House and possibly retake the Senate, despite the challenges posed by rising inflation and a contentious international landscape.
Candidates and Campaign Dynamics
Under California’s nonpartisan primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, with only the top two advancing to the general election. Recent polling shows Becerra leading with 23%, followed closely by Hilton at 20%, who has received Trump’s endorsement. Steyer trails with 15%. The lack of a consolidated Democratic field raises concerns that two Republicans could advance to the general election, a scenario that many observers deem increasingly unlikely.
Political analysts note that Becerra’s rise in the polls comes amid the collapse of Congressman Eric Swalwell’s campaign, which faced allegations of sexual misconduct that he has denied. The final weeks of the campaign have seen intensified mudslinging as candidates vie for a spot in the top two.
The Role of Trump in California Politics
While Hilton has positioned himself as a change agent, blaming California’s issues on "failed" Democratic governance, experts suggest that Trump’s strong disapproval ratings in the state may hinder Hilton’s chances. Political science professor Sara Sadhwani expressed skepticism about Hilton’s viability, stating, "I don’t see a future in which Steve Hilton becomes the governor of the state."
Conclusion
As California approaches its primary elections, the political environment remains fraught with uncertainty and dissatisfaction. While the state is expected to maintain its Democratic stronghold, the outcomes of these elections may serve as an early indicator of the party’s direction and the lingering influence of Trump in a state that has largely rejected his policies. The results could reveal whether voters are ready to embrace establishment candidates or if they are leaning toward a more progressive shift in leadership.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/30/california-turbulent-elections