The nation’s most populous state is holding its primaries on Tuesday, including close elections that will draw national attention.While California is renowned as the most significant blue bastion in the country, its size and diversity mean several congressional races are competitive or Republican-leaning. Republicans have a rare shot in the gubernatorial race, and the Los Angeles mayoral primary also has many in the party optimistic.Most California elections use a unique primary system in which the top two candidates advance to the general election in November, regardless of party.
Here are the primary races to watch in California on Tuesday:
Packed gubernatorial race
The California gubernatorial race is one of the most packed in the country, with 61 candidates, of various seriousness, throwing their hats in the ring.
Roughly five candidates are polling at striking distance of the two top spots. This includes two Republicans — political commentator Steve Hilston and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — and three Democrats — former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.
