California and Iowa Hold Primary Elections Ahead of 2026 Midterms

1-Minute Brief

The outcomes of these primaries will determine key candidates for major races, shaping the political landscape before the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

• Voters in California and Iowa cast ballots on Tuesday in primary elections for various offices.
• Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, and Tom Steyer are the leading candidates in California’s governor primary, according to recent polls.
• The Los Angeles mayoral primary features Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt, and Nithya Raman as prominent candidates.
• Homelessness is cited as the top issue among Los Angeles voters in the mayoral race.
• Primary elections are also taking place in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

What Happened

Primary elections were held in California and Iowa, with voters selecting candidates for key races including governor and Los Angeles mayor. Other states also held primaries on the same day.

Why It Matters

These primaries will determine which candidates advance to the November general election, influencing party control and policy direction in major states.

What's Next

Final results will reveal which candidates move forward to the general election. Observers are watching closely for shifts in voter turnout and issue priorities.