California Primary Election Results Still Incoming Amid Key Races

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California voters continued to anticipate results for crucial primary elections on Thursday. These include the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races. Workers were busy counting ballots over 36 hours after the polls closed Tuesday night.

Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the highest votes will proceed to the November general election. This occurs regardless of their party affiliations.

“We’re not there yet, but it’s looking good.” – Steve Hilton

As of Thursday morning, CBS News had not projected any candidates to advance in the gubernatorial race. This race seeks a successor for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Republican Steve Hilton, known for his former role at Fox News, and Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, appeared poised to advance. Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer attempted a late push as vote counting continued.

Both Hilton and Becerra expressed optimism. Hilton considered his early success a sign of what Californians desire. Becerra felt on track to advance. High-profile Democrats like former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter conceded early. Chad Bianco, another major Republican, had not conceded by Thursday morning.

Uncertainty in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, CBS News projected Mayor Karen Bass to progress to a runoff election in November as she seeks reelection. Her opponent remains undetermined. This race involves a rare challenge to an incumbent mayor of a predominantly Democratic city. Candidates include Bass, Spencer Pratt, and city council member Nithya Raman. According to polls, all three candidates were in a virtual tie.

Campaign strategist Luis Alvarado noted the race’s unusual closeness. Pratt, known for criticizing city leadership, showed strength in initial results. However, his progress slowed with LA County ballot updates on Wednesday.

Vote Counting Timeline

The California Secretary of State stated counties have 30 days to count ballots provisionally. Mail-in votes must be postmarked by election day but will be counted if received within seven days. Major population centers provided their expected update times for Thursday: