California Primary Results: Becerra Takes the Lead, Local Assembly Races Taking Shape

Democrat Xavier Becerra has moved into first place in the race for California Governor, according to updated results from last week's June 2nd statewide primary. Becerra now holds 27.2% of the vote, at a total of 1,883,083, passing Republican Steve Hilton, who sits at 25.9% with 1,790,532 votes. Democrat Tom Steyer is in third and closing in on Hilton, holding 21.5% of the vote at 1,488,520 counted.

California uses a jungle primary system, meaning the top two finishers advance to the November ballot regardless of party. Based on current results, Becerra and Hilton are positioned to meet in the general election, though the gap between Hilton and Steyer remains close enough that the picture could shift.

These are still partial results. Riverside County reports it has only completed 27.4% of its ballot counting, and other counties across the state are at similar stages. State officials say the slower pace is intentional, designed to ensure the most accurate count possible. President Donald Trump, however, has claimed the process is being used to rig the election in favor of Democrats. Evidence for that claim has not been publicly provided, though the Department of Justice says they are investigating. 

State Assembly District 36

Closer to home, Republican incumbent Jeff Gonzalez is leading the race for State Assembly District 36, which covers the majority of Imperial County and the eastern Coachella Valley. Gonzalez holds 45.7% of the vote with 26,879 counted. Democrat Ida Obeso-Martinez sits in second with 24.4% and 14,351 votes, making her the likely challenger Gonzalez will face in November. Indio City Councilmember Oscar Ortiz is close behind in third with 20.9% and 12,291 votes, followed by Democrat Tomás Oliva at 9.1%.

State Assembly District 47

In the District 47 race, which covers the western half of the Coachella Valley from La Quinta to Desert Hot Springs, Republican incumbent Greg Wallis leads with 48.7% of the vote and 55,766 ballots counted. Democrat Leila Namvar is in second with 31.1% and 35,595 votes, positioning her as his likely opponent in November. Democrat Jason Byors sits third with 20.3% and 23,230 votes.

With Riverside County only 27.4% done counting, all three races will continue to evolve in the days ahead.