California's highly watched gubernatorial race remained deadlocked on Wednesday as the state continued a slow vote-counting process that could take days or even weeks. With nearly 60% of ballots tallied, Republican Steve Hilton, a former UK political operative and Fox News host, held a narrow lead. Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former health secretary, was in second place, while billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer trailed in third.
Slow Vote Count Favors Democrats
Results could shift significantly in the coming days as more votes are counted in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats. California sends all registered voters a mail-in ballot about a month before election day, but many Democrats waited until the last moment, meaning early results leaned Republican. As Democratic ballots trickle in, support for Becerra and Steyer is expected to grow.
Key Races Across the US
Other results from California to New Jersey highlighted forces shaping the 2026 midterms: Democrats' desire for change after 2024 losses, Donald Trump's grip on Republican voters despite falling approval ratings, and voters' sour view of the economy. Primary voters chose safe, establishment Democrats deemed most electable, while in blue districts, progressive candidates endorsed by Bernie Sanders won.
New Jersey and Iowa Races
In New Jersey, Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former healthcare executive and Navy veteran, won a crowded primary to challenge Republican Tom Kean Jr., who was absent from Congress for three months due to a mysterious medical issue. In Iowa, rematches are set in districts that produced some of the closest House races two years ago. Democrat Josh Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist, beat state senator Zach Wahls and will face former broadcaster Ashley Hinson.
Governor Races Shape Up
In California, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party. In Los Angeles, former reality TV star Spencer Pratt and progressive city council member Nithya Raman are locked in a tight battle to face incumbent Karen Bass in November. In Iowa, Democrat Rob Sand, a state auditor positioned as a populist moderate, sees a chance to win the governorship after Republican Kim Reynolds' retirement. In South Dakota, the Republican governor race heads to a runoff, while in New Mexico, former interior secretary Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nomination and is likely to become the first female Native American governor.
Redistricting Battles
California's redrawn congressional maps, a response to GOP efforts in Texas, could help Democrats gain five seats. In the redrawn sixth district, independent Kevin Kiley leads, with Republican Michael Stansfield in second, potentially denying Democrats a seat due to a split vote. Kiley criticized the redistricting process, saying politicians cannot choose representatives by moving map lines.
Republican Inroads
In New Mexico, Republican Greg Cunningham faces no primary opposition to challenge Democrat Gabe Vasquez in a district Trump won in 2024. In Montana, Republicans rallied behind Aaron Flint, Trump's choice to succeed Representative Ryan Zinke, while Democrats sense an opportunity due to Trump's falling popularity. In South Dakota, Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican primary for the state's lone congressional seat with Trump's endorsement.
Democratic Internal Fights
Ideological battles within the Democratic party featured in several races. In San Francisco, state senator Scott Wiener emerged first to succeed retiring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, facing Connie Chan. In California's 22nd district, community college professor Randy Villegas, who campaigned against establishment politics, is poised to advance. In New Jersey's 12th district, plastic surgeon and army veteran Adam Hamawy, a progressive critical of Israel and ICE, won the nomination and is likely to become the first Muslim lawmaker from the state.
