California primary election roundup: Turnout, tight races and runoffs

From a reality TV star’s mayoral bid to presidential claims of voter fraud, California’s 2026 primary election dominated headlines this week as ballot counting continues in key statewide races.

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Here’s a digest of top election stories:

• President Donald Trump accused California Democrats of stealing votes without evidence as ballots from Tuesday’s primary continued to be counted. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber defended the state’s process, stating “Accuracy comes before speed.”

• Former “The Hills” reality TV personality Spencer Pratt appears poised to advance to the Nov. 3 runoff election against Democrat Mayor Karen Bass. Pratt has raised $3.75 million in contributions — nearly ten times more than Bass between April 19 and May 16 — and received an endorsement from President Trump.

• Republican gubernatorial front-runner Steve Hilton and the California GOP unveiled the “Victory ‘26” slate of endorsed candidates for the state’s eight executive offices. The slate promises to address California’s high poverty rate, unemployment and cost of living if elected in November.

• California voters turned out for the state’s primary election, casting ballots in statewide races including governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Take a look at photos from different election parties throughout the night.

• Steve Hilton wowed a crowd at his election-night rally by showing off a custom-made jacket with U.S. and California flags sewn into the lining.

• Democrats showed a significant surge in ballot returns at the end of the voting period, though early voting lagged behind 2022 levels. As of Wednesday morning, voters had turned in more than 5 million ballots, with county turnout ranging from 20% to 25%.