California voters are still waiting for results in key primary elections, including crucial gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races. This comes as workers continue counting ballots more than 36 hours after polls closed.
Primary System in Action
Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes will progress to the November general election, irrespective of party affiliation. As of Thursday morning, CBS News had not projected any candidates to advance in the governor’s race intended to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.
Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, and Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, appeared poised to move forward. Additionally, Democratic billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer was attempting a late surge as counting persisted.
“We’re not there yet, but it’s looking good,” Hilton said. “It looks very much like Californians really will have the chance to vote for change in November and take our state in a new direction.”
Becerra expressed confidence about advancing to November.
Concessions and Uncertainty
As early results emerged, several high-profile Democrats such as former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa conceded. However, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the other major Republican contender, had not conceded by Thursday morning.
Los Angeles Mayoral Race
In Los Angeles, CBS News projected that Mayor Karen Bass would advance to a runoff election in November as she seeks reelection. Her opponent is yet to be determined.
This race presented a rare challenge to an incumbent mayor in the largely Democratic city. Candidates Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt, a former “The Hills” star, and city council member Nithya Raman were locked in a tight race.
“I haven’t seen a race this close in decades, especially for the city of Los Angeles. Everybody is tied within the margin of error,” campaign strategist Luis Alvarado told CBS LA.
Bass achieved an early lead securing the CBS News projection. Spencer Pratt initially displayed strength regarding criticisms of city leadership on various issues, yet his momentum slowed.
Ballot Counting Timeline
The California Secretary of State mandates a 30-day period for counting ballots on a provisional basis. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by election day and counted if received within seven days. Major population centers shared their update timelines:
- Los Angeles County: Thursday between 4-5 p.m. PT
- Orange County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
- San Diego County: Thursday by 6 p.m. PT
- Riverside County: Thursday by 6 p.m. PT
- San Bernardino County: Thursday by 4 p.m. PT
- Santa Clara County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
- San Mateo County: Thursday by 4:30 p.m. PT
- San Francisco City and County: Thursday by 4 p.m. PT
- Marin County: Thursday by 5 p.m. PT
- Sacramento County: Friday by 4:15 p.m. PT
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