Six states hold midterm primaries as California governor race narrows to three-way contest

California governor race

Millions of voters headed to the polls Tuesday in six states for a series of primaries that will set the stage for November's midterm elections. In California, the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has narrowed to a three-way contest. Multiple polls show Democrats Xavier Becerra, a former health secretary and state attorney general, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist, competing with Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host.

The primary took an unusual turn in mid-April when former congressman Eric Swalwell, who had been the Democratic frontrunner, dropped out after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. His exit essentially allowed candidates to restart their campaigns. Becerra saw a sudden rise in the weeks that followed, though more voters than usual held on to their ballots until the final stretch. Polls closed at 8 p.m. local time, but California has taken days, sometimes weeks, to tally enough votes to project winners.

The next governor will be tasked with addressing issues plaguing the state, including homelessness, environmental threats such as droughts and wildfires, and affordable housing. The governor will also take on the role of a leader of the Democratic resistance to President Donald Trump. Some Democrats had worried that the crowded field would split the vote and allow two Republicans to advance to November, but those odds slimmed significantly in recent weeks.

Iowa and New Jersey

In Iowa, Democrats are attempting a comeback in the GOP-dominated state, led by pro-hunting Democrat Rob Sand, who is running for governor. Democrats believe they have a shot at winning three of the state's US House seats and a competitive chance at securing a US Senate seat, where the GOP frontrunner recently called Trump's war on Iran a "political liability."

In New Jersey, one of the most closely watched House midterm races is taking place in a battleground district currently represented by Republican Tom Kean Jr., who has drawn public scrutiny after missing more than 100 House votes due to an undisclosed illness. Voters are deciding which Democrat will run against him in November. The frontrunner, veteran army trauma surgeon and political newcomer Adam Hamawy, has secured endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar.

South Dakota and New Mexico

In South Dakota, incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden faces three Republican primary challengers: Rep. Dusty Johnson, state House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden. Democrats have been shut out of statewide office since 2015. Incumbent Senator Mike Rounds is also running for reelection against businessman Justin McNeal. Two candidates are competing for the Republican nomination for the state's single at-large congressional seat, currently held by Johnson, who is running for governor.

In New Mexico, the governor's race is the main event. Deb Haaland, who served as Joe Biden's interior secretary, is running for the Democratic nomination, which could put her on a historic path for Native American leaders. Contests also include primaries for congressional seats, a US Senate seat, and a long list of statewide offices.

Broader stakes

California's primary carries outsized national weight. The state is the nation's most populous and the world's fourth largest economy. A series of high-stakes US House contests in the state's newly redrawn congressional districts are set to play a potentially decisive role in the battle for power in Washington in November. The Los Angeles mayoral race is also on the ballot.