LOS ANGELES (AP) - California is on the verge of a primary election, marked by uncertainty in two significant races, with outsider candidates attempting to destabilize the state's established Democratic political structure. In the gubernatorial race, former Fox News host Steve Hilton is calling on Republicans to consolidate their support behind him as he competes against two prominent Democrats: billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
Simultaneously, the Los Angeles mayoral election features reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who is striving for a surprising victory over Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. Both candidates are in close competition, along with Nithya Raman, a progressive city council member challenging Bass from the left.
Pratt addressed an enthusiastic audience at a community block party, emphasizing, “We can’t give up on LA. We’ve got to fight.” Meanwhile, there are growing concerns among Republicans that the crowded gubernatorial field might allow two Democrats to secure the top spots for the November election. In the final stretch of the campaign, Hilton voiced fears of a potential “doomsday scenario,” where only Democrats succeed in advancing, thereby risking a lower Republican voter turnout across the state.
As mail-in voting began in early May, only 15% of ballots had been returned by Sunday, indicating potential last-minute changes could dramatically affect the outcomes of both races.
In Los Angeles, Bass’s tenuous first term has rendered her vulnerable. Although she highlights a decrease in homelessness, many residents still face visible encampments and deteriorating living conditions. She is also grappling with the repercussions of the 2025 Palisades Fire, the most devastating fire in the city’s history; Bass was abroad during its outbreak, which Pratt now uses as a campaign focal point, directly connecting it to his personal experience of losing his home.
Bass has received criticism from constituents like Vivian Escalante, a historian from Boyle Heights, who expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's failures, stating that the community’s quality of life has worsened, marked by increased homelessness and neglect. “It’s gotten completely worse,” Escalante declared as she wore a Pratt cap, underscoring her disillusionment with the status quo.
While the Los Angeles mayoral race is officially nonpartisan, both Bass and Raman are aligned with the Democratic Party, and Pratt is a registered Republican who has gained unofficial support from President Donald Trump. A recent poll from the University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with The Los Angeles Times, reveals that Bass is closely trailing behind both Pratt and Raman, with no candidate displaying a statistically significant advantage.
California is at a crossroads, particularly as Hollywood production jobs relocate to more cost-effective filming sites. The post-pandemic economic situation has worsened, with limited basic services available, particularly in light of dwindling job opportunities and the city's struggles to maintain essential infrastructure.
The gubernatorial race is especially competitive, as over 50 candidates appear on the ballot. With Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom barred from running for a third term, the field includes notable candidates such as former Democratic U.S. Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County.
Rebecca Katz, a strategist for Steyer's campaign, expressed optimism about their standing, likening the intensifying competition to a tight sports game where “every possession counts.” Hilton, who seeks to reduce living costs in a state notorious for high taxes and utility expenses, has been endorsed by Trump, while Becerra leverages his extensive experience from his tenure as Health Secretary in the Biden administration.
Overall, this election cycle highlights a rift as Republicans seek to upend years of Democratic dominance, with the latter party promising to tackle economic challenges while maintaining a stance against Trump’s administration.
