California voters face a fractured and unpredictable primary election on Tuesday, with the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom tightening into a three-way contest among Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton. The crowded field and low voter enthusiasm have clouded what is normally a clarifying moment in the state's campaign cycle, according to a report in The Guardian US.
Control of the US House could hinge on several competitive congressional districts on the ballot, where Tuesday's results will narrow the field to two candidates per race. The primary will also test the staying power of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who faces a divided electorate as challengers vie to force her into a runoff.
Democratic infighting is on display in the governor's race, where Becerra, the former US attorney general, and Steyer, a billionaire environmental activist, are competing for the same liberal base, potentially allowing Hilton to capture one of the top-two spots. The lack of a consensus Democratic front-runner has injected unusual uncertainty into a state dominated by the party.
Polling indicates broad voter frustration with the choices and the process, with many Californians describing themselves as underwhelmed, though specific numbers were not reported. Turnout will be closely watched as a barometer of enthusiasm heading into the general election.
If no candidate secures a majority in the top-two primary, the two highest vote-getters will advance regardless of party, setting up the possibility of a general election matchup between two Democrats or a Democrat and a Republican in the heavily blue state.