California primary tests redistricting strategy amid cost-of-living crisis
The state’s open-primary system raises fears of Democratic vote-splitting, while high energy costs dominate the campaign agenda
Voters in California cast their ballots on Tuesday in a fiercely contested primary election to select candidates for the gubernatorial and congressional races. The gubernatorial contest aims to replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, whose term concludes at the end of the year. The state’s open-primary system, which allows the top two finishers to advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation, has drawn concerns from Democrats about vote splitting.
Approximately 60 candidates are on the ballot, with key Democratic contenders including Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, and Katie Porter, while Republican frontrunners are Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. The election is heavily influenced by issues such as the high cost of living, with gas prices and electricity rates significantly above national averages.
Recent developments, including the withdrawal of Eric Swalwell and President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton, have shifted momentum in the race. The primary also serves as a test for Democratic redistricting efforts in response to Republican gerrymandering strategies in other states.
California’s electoral framework places all candidates on a single primary ballot, with the top two finishers advancing to the November general election regardless of party affiliation. This mechanism, first used at the statewide level in 2014, has raised fears among Democrats that a split vote could pave the way for a Republican victory, despite Democrats accounting for 45 percent of registered voters compared to 25 percent for Republicans.
The throughline of the race has been the state’s notoriously high cost of living. Drivers were paying $6 per gallon at the pump at the start of June, $1.72 more than the nationwide average, according to the American Automobile Association. Californians also pay the second-highest residential electricity rates behind Hawaii, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Candidates have proposed various solutions to tackle rising costs. Some Democrats suggested suspending the state’s gas taxes, which total roughly 70 cents a gallon, or eliminating private health insurance in favour of a government-run system. Republicans have vowed to increase oil and gas production and reduce regulations.
The primary serves as a critical test for Democratic redistricting efforts. California voters approved a November referendum allowing Democrats to redraw their own state map after Texas redrew its map to make additional seats winnable for the GOP. The outcome will indicate whether these strategies can counter Republican gerrymandering pushes in states such as Texas, Florida, and Missouri.
