California voters will decide who their next governor is in November. So before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the governor is in charge of. Edie Lambert breaks it down. As California voters are electing *** new governor this year, we wanted to take *** look at what the governor is actually responsible for in our state. This is the most important statewide job. The governor oversees this long list of organizations and agencies. The governor also appoints judges and state regulators, and when there’s *** vacancy in the US Senate, the governor chooses that new senator. The governor also plays *** major role in the state budget. In January, they lay out their agenda and priorities for the state budget, and then over the next 6 months they negotiate with lawmakers. Their deadline is in June. The governor also reviews all of the laws passed by state lawmakers, either signing them or vetoing them, and last year Governor Gavin Newsom signed almost 800 bills into law. The state’s top job has *** limit of 2 4-year terms in office, and you may be wondering how much the governor actually makes. Well, last year that job paid $245,000. Back to you. California voters are electing an attorney general this year. So what does the AG actually do? Let’s look into it. This job is considered the state’s top cop. They lead the Department of Justice as the state’s top lawyer. And also the top law enforcement officer, the Attorney general is considered the representative for the people of California in both criminal and civil cases at both the federal and the state level. The Attorney general also provides legal advice throughout state government for state offices, boards, departments, and officers. They lend support to local and federal law enforcement agencies, and they oversee the enforcement. Of laws to make sure that that enforcement is fair. The Attorney general has *** limit of 2 4-year terms in office, and people often want to know how much this job pays. Well, last year the job paid $213,000. Back to you. This year California voters will decide who their new lieutenant governor will be. So before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the lieutenant governor oversees. Curtis Ming breaks it down. California is electing *** new lieutenant governor this year. So what do they actually do? Let’s take *** look at that. *** key part of this role is to be able to step in as governor at *** moment’s notice if needed. They serve as the acting governor if the governor is out of state. The lieutenant governor is also the president of the state senate. This is most important when the legislation is deadlocked. They could cast *** tiebreaking vote, but that rarely happens here. California. The lieutenant governor also serves on *** number of boards and commissions, including those that oversee California colleges. The job could vary depending on the relationship between the governor and the lieutenant governor, because the governor could add responsibilities. The lieutenant governor has *** limit of 24-year terms in office. So how much does the lieutenant governor make? Well, last year the job paid $184,000. Back to you. California is electing *** Secretary of State this year, but what do they actually do? Let’s take *** look into it. They are considered California’s chief elections officer. While election laws are run by each county, the Secretary of State coordinates with the election officers and makes sure election laws are followed. The Secretary of State publishes the voter information guide. They also collect and report election returns, and they test the voting equipment. And at the end of the election. They certify the results. Outside of elections. The Secretary of State keeps *** record of every official act of the governor and lawmakers. That includes every law that’s passed. The Secretary of State has *** limit of 2 4-year terms. So how much does the Secretary of State make? Last year, the job paid $184,000. California voters will choose *** new insurance commissioner this year. So before you vote, we want to explain what exactly the insurance commissioner oversees. Edie Lambert breaks it down. California voters are electing *** new insurance commissioner this year. So what exactly does that job do? Well, here’s *** look. The insurance commissioner is in charge of regulating our state’s insurance industry. We’re talking home insurance, car insurance, even life insurance. They’re also in charge of implementing and enforcing all of California’s insurance laws. And the commissioner is in charge of the Department of Insurance, which licenses half *** million agents, brokers, businesses, and even bail agents. The insurance commissioner has *** limit of 2 4-year terms in office. As for the salary, last year, this job paid $196,000. Back to you. California is electing *** new treasurer this year. So what do they actually do? Let’s take *** look. The treasurer is all about the money. They’re California’s banker, investor, and lead manager of the state’s assets. The treasurer invests all of your tax dollars on behalf of state and local governments. They manage all the state’s cash flow, and they sell state bonds. The treasurer also chairs and serves on several boards, commissions, and bond finance committees. That includes the state pension boards. And the California Housing Finance Agency, there is some room for public policy in this job. The state has so much money to invest, and how they invest that money could really have an impact. The treasurer has *** limit of 2 4-year terms, so how much does the job pay? Well, last year it paid 196,000. California voters are electing *** state controller this year. So what does the state controller? Actually control. He’s *** quick look at the job. The controller is responsible for tracking and protecting the state’s public funds. That includes auditing state spending, monitoring the money situation for local and state governments, and overseeing the payrolls for state agencies and the system. The controller is also responsible for lost and forgotten property that has been turned. Over to the state. So if you’re ever looking for yours, this is the office where you go. The controller chairs the franchise tax board and sits on the boards of some public retirement systems. They also serve as one of 5 members of the state board of equalization. The state controller has *** limit of 24-year terms in office, and as for their salary, last year, the state controller was paid $196,000. California voters will choose *** new state superintendent of public instruction this year. So before you vote, we want to explain what exactly that person does. Curtis Ming breaks it down. This year California is electing *** new superintendent of public instruction. So what do they do? Let’s take *** look. The superintendent of public instruction oversees the Department of Education. Schools are run by local districts or private entities, but the state superintendent oversees them. Their main job is managing education laws and regulations. They also handle licensing teachers. Right now there is *** power struggle brewing over the state capitol involving public schools. Governor Newsom is pushing to take away the responsibility of running the Department of Education and giving it to the governor appointed Board of Education instead. The state superintendent also serves on *** number of boards and commissions, including the UC, CSU, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The superintendent of public instruction has *** limit of 24-year terms, and it’s *** nonpartisan position. That means when you open your ballot, it’s not going to list their party. So how much does the superintendent make? Last year the job paid $213,000. Back to you. Thanks, Curtis. California voters will be electing 4 people directly to the Board of Equalization this year. So what do those board members actually do? Here’s *** look. The Board of Equalization is in charge of three main taxes property, alcoholic beverages, and insurance. The Board of Equalization also oversees practices for all county assessors, which promotes *** uniform practice for collecting property taxes across the state. The board meets every month in Sacramento, and taxpayers can attend those meetings to appeal. Any decision related to the programs the board oversees this year, voters will be choosing 4 members in different districts to make up the board of Equalization, and the fifth member is the state controller. Members of the board can serve 24-year terms. You may be wondering how much the members of the Board of Equalization make. Last year this job paid $184,000. Back to you.
California voter guide: What to know about the June 2 primary election
Updated: 7:15 PM PDT May 19, 2026
California voters on June 2, 2026, will be faced with deciding on a number of races that are likely to have wider impacts across the country.| VIDEO ABOVE | What are California’s top elected offices responsible for?The two main reasons for that are because Californians will not only be voting on a new governor, but they will also be voting on congressional members using the newly drawn district maps under Proposition 50.Prop 50 was a response by California Democrats after Texas acted to redraw its districts to try to favor more Republicans as part of a battle to maintain power in Congress. Midterm elections, where voters are not deciding on the office of president, are also when pivotal power shifts could occur.June 2 is a crucial date for many of the offices because of California’s top-two system, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of political affiliation, advance to November. Exceptions to this rule include offices such as city mayor, city council, county sheriff, or special elections, where winning half of the votes plus one extra vote can decide a winner without having to go to the November General Election.Below is our voter guide summarizing what voters across the state should know about coming into the election. Bookmark this article as we continue to add to it.California governorBecause of the state’s two-term limit, Gov. Gavin Newsom will no longer be allowed to run for governor in California.That means, regardless of who advances in June and wins in November, California voters will have a new leader.This gubernatorial race is the first one in years where there is no clear frontrunner. It is also a crowded race in the Democratic pool, where the party chair has urged lower-polling Democrats to drop out to avoid the risk of Republicans beating them in the June primary.See official governor candidate statements here. As of May 6, these are the leading candidates for California governor.Xavier BecerraPolitical affiliation DemocratPast experiences Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden, former California attorney generalPreviously stated goals if elected Cut spending and raise taxes on the ultra-wealthy Continue providing health care to lower-income and undocumented immigrantsPush for affordable early education in daycares for 2- and 3-year-olds and change teacher compensationDeclare a state of emergency on housing and freeze property insurance and utility rates within his first 100 days as governorReduce the use of oil and gasSteve HiltonPolitical affiliationRepublicanPast experiencesFormer Fox News commentatorPreviously stated goals if elected Propose $3 a gallon of gas50% cut in electricity and other energy costsPropose no state income taxes on Californians making $100,000 or less a yearCut Medi-Cal for undocumented people and propose a limited version of Medicaid similar to other statesUse an education model similar to Mississippi that holds students back until they can readMore construction of single-family homesEnforce homeless encampment bans statewide and set up more mental health treatment facilitiesMatt MahanPolitical affiliationDemocratPast experiencesSan Jose mayorPreviously stated goals if electedSuspend the 61-cent gas taxReduce the number of homeless individuals by fast-tracking the building and permitting processLower energy costsIncrease public safetyNot raise taxes, regularly audit programs and survey votersTom SteyerPolitical affiliationDemocratPast experiencesBillionaire and climate activistPreviously stated goals if electedCall a special legislative session to close corporate tax loopholes to force big businesses to pay the state’s government more moneyStreamline the permitting process to increase housing and increase the construction of industrial homes that can be built off-siteHave 1 million new homes constructed in the state in four yearsEliminate private health insurance and establish a universal, single-payer health care system in CaliforniaChad BiancoPolitical affiliationRepublicanPast experiencesRiverside County sheriffPreviously stated goals if electedCut regulations related to the environment, housing, farming, and other areas he believes are hindering businesses and driving up costs End state health insurance for undocumented immigrants Revisit how much of the state budget goes toward educationReverse criminal justice laws, including one that shifted responsibility for lower-level criminals from the state prison system to local law enforcementAntonio Villaraigosa Note: KCRA 3 is working on setting up an interview with Villaraigosa. This section of the guide will be updated if an interview happens.Political affiliationDemocratPast experiencesFormer California Assembly speaker and Los Angeles mayorGoals, if elected, according to his campaign websiteFast-track new home constructionReform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)Jumpstart building up the state’s energy grid, water storage and transportation infrastructureBuild for greater solar and wind generation and build more transmission linesKatie PorterNote: KCRA 3 is working on setting up an interview with Porter. This section of the guide will be updated if an interview happens.Political affiliationDemocratPast experiencesFormer CongresswomanGoals, if elected, according to her campaign siteLower housing costs, including dropping the costs of apartments by 20%Expand and improve health care for all California residents, including abortion access and reproductive rightsPush for four years of free college tuitionRental assistance, rapid re-housing and interim housing for those experiencing homelessnessTony ThurmondPolitical affiliationDemocratPast experiencesCalifornia SuperintendentPreviously stated goals if electedRaise taxes on billionaires and provide tax credits to working peopleContinue health care coverage for undocumented immigrants and transition to a universal health care systemChange the way the state funds public schools by basing funding on student enrollment rather than daily attendanceRethink plans to cut oil and gas useHire 2,000 additional police officers and 911 dispatchers while funding more crime prevention programsRamp up mental health and substance abuse treatment centers and fund affordable housingSee the full list of candidates here.Proposition 50-impacted districtsSince voters approved the Democratic-drawn maps, five districts were redrawn specifically to favor Democrats for the next three elections. That led to some drastic changes in the way those five districts look.For example, before Prop. 50, Congressional District 3 was geographically the largest district in Northern California. Its new maps cut out the large swath of the Eastern Sierra that was once within its boundaries.The five targeted districtsDistrict 1District 3District 22District 41District 48Because these districts were redrawn, there is a chance you might be in a different district even if yours was not directly targeted by Prop. 50. Unsure if you are still in the same district? See this interactive graphic below.Northern California congressional districts we’re monitoringNote: We are still actively seeking interviews with candidates ahead of the election. More may be added to this section ahead of June 2.District 1 (Prop 50-targeted)Who’s running?James Gallagher, RepublicanMike McGuire, DemocratAudrey Denney, DemocratJanice Karrman, DemocratTimothy Sean Kelly, No party preferenceRichard T. Minner, No Party preferenceSee our interview with some of the candidates below. Learn more about where they stand on the issues here. See the full list of candidates here.District 3 (Prop 50-targeted)Who’s running?Chris Bennet, DemocratAmi Bera, DemocratLyndon “Pacey” Cervantes, DemocratHeidi Hall, DemocratChristine Bish, RepublicanLaura Koscki, RepublicanRobb Tucker, RepublicanChris Richardson, GreenSee the full list of candidates here.District 4Who’s running?Eric Jones, DemocratMike Thompson, DemocratSharon Brown, RepublicanMandy Ghusar, RepublicanJimih Jones, RepublicanJohn Mackenzie, RepublicanRay Riehle, RepublicanChuck Uribe, RepublicanThomas M. Roach, No party preferenceSee the full list of candidates here.District 5Who’s running?Michael J. “Mike” Barkley, DemocratMichael Masuda, DemocratDan Stroud, DemocratTom McClintock, RepublicanSee our interview with some of the candidates below. Learn more about where they stand on the issues here.See the full list of candidates here. District 6Who’s running?Lauren Babb Tomlinson, DemocratMartha Guerrero, DemocratThien Ho, DemocratRichard Pan, DemocratTyler Vandenberg, DemocratMichael Stansfield, RepublicanKevin Kiley, No party preferenceSee the full list of candidates here.District 7Who’s running?Doris Matsui, DemocratRobby Morin, DemocratEnayat Nazhat, DemocratMai Vang, DemocratRalph Nwobi, RepublicanZachariah Wooden, RepublicanSee the full list of candidates here.District 8Who’s running?Nicolas Carjuzaa, DemocratJohn Garamendi, DemocratAaron Rowden, DemocratRudy Recile, RepublicanSee the full list of candidates here.District 9Who’s running?Josh Harder, DemocratKhalid Jeffrey Jafri, RepublicanJohn McBride, RepublicanParminder “Happy” Singh, RepublicanMartin “Vmann” Veprauskas, RepublicanSee the full list of candidates here. District 13Who’s running?Daniel Garibay Rodriguez, DemocratAdam Gray, DemocratVin Kruttiventi, RepublicanKevin Lincoln, RepublicanSee the full list of candidates here.Statewide offices aside from governorLieutenant governorWhat this position does: Steps in for the governor at a moment’s notice, breaks deadlocks as president of the state Senate and serves on several boards and commissions.Who’s running?Josh Fryday, DemocratJanelle Kellman, DemocratJeyson Lopez, DemocratFiona Ma, DemocratOliver Ma, DemocratTim Myers, DemocratAbdur Rahman Sikder, DemocratMichael Tubbs, DemocratEbie Lynch, RepublicanDavid Collenberg, RepublicanDavid Fennell, RepublicanSkip Shelton, RepublicanAlice Stek, Peace and FreedomRakesh, Christian, No party preferenceSean Collison, No party preference See official lieutenant governor candidate statements here. Secretary of StateWhat this position does: Serves as the state’s elections chief by publishing the voter information guide, collecting and reporting election returns, testing voting equipment and certifying election results. They also keep a complete record of the official acts of the governor and the Legislature.Who’s running? Shirley N. Weber, Democrat and incumbentDonald P. (Don) Wagner, RepublicanGary N. Blenner, Green Michael Feinstein, GreenState ControllerWhat this position does: Tracks and protects the state’s public funds and is responsible for the lost and forgotten property that’s been turned over to the state. They also chair the Franchise Tax Board, sit on the boards of some public retirement systems and serve as one of five members of the State Board of Equalization.Who’s running?Malia M. Cohen, Democrat and incumbentHerb W. Morgan, RepublicanMeghann Adams, Peace and FreedomSee official secretary of state candidate statements here. TreasurerWhat this position does: Serves as California’s banker, investor and lead manager of the state’s assets. They chair and serve on several boards, commissions and bond finance committees, including the California Housing Finance Agency.Who’s running?Anna M. Caballero, DemocratEleni Kounalakis, DemocratTony Vazquez, DemocratJennifer Hawks, RepublicanDavid Serpa, RepublicanGlenn Turner, GreenSee official treasurer candidate statements here. Attorney GeneralWhat this position does: Serves as the state’s top lawyer and law enforcement officer, and also as the representative for the people of California in civil and criminal cases for state and federal courts.Who’s running?Rob Bonta, Democrat and incumbentMichael E. Gates, RepublicanMarjorie Mikels, GreenSee official attorney general candidate statements here. Insurance CommissionerWhat this position does: Oversees regulating the state’s insurance industry and overseeing the implementation and enforcement of all of California’s insurance laws. They license more than 510,000 agents, brokers, adjusters, bail agents and business entities.Who’s running?Ben Allen, DemocratSteven Craig Bradford, DemocratJane Kim, DemocratPatrick Wolff, DemocratEric Thor Aarnio, RepublicanMerritt Farren, RepublicanRobert P. Howell, RepublicanSean Lee, RepublicanKeith W. Davis, American IndependentEduardo “Lalo” Vargas, Peace and FreedomSee official insurance commissioner candidate statements here. Superintendent of Public InstructionWhat this position does: Oversees the state’s Department of Education, manages education laws and regulations, and leads the operational aspects of the public school system, including teacher licensing.Who’s running? (This is a non-partisan office, so candidates’ party affiliations are not provided)Richard BarreraWendy Castaneda LealNichelle M. HendersonFrank LaraAinye LongGus MattammalAl MuratsuchiJosh NewmanAnthony Rendon. Board of Equalization (District 1)What this position does: Oversees taxes related to property, alcoholic beverages and insurance. The board also oversees practices for all county assessors for a uniform property tax system across the state.Who’s running?Nelson Esparza, DemocratDonald E. Williamson, DemocratDusty Beach, RepublicanShannon Grove, RepublicanNader F. Shahatit, RepublicanSee board of equalization candidate statements here. State Legislature offices we’re monitoringState SenateDistrict 4Who’s running?Jaron Brandon, DemocratMarie Alvarado-Gil, Republican and incumbentAlexandra Duarte, RepublicanDistrict 6Who’s running?Sean Frame, DemocratSara Velasco, DemocratRoger Niello, Republican and incumbentDistrict 8Who’s running?Angelique Ashby, Democrat and incumbentSusan A. Mason, RepublicanLinda “LR” Roberts, Peace and FreedomState AssemblyDistrict 1Who’s running?Dianna Margaret James, DemocratHeather Hadwick, Republican and incumbentDarin Hale, RepublicanDistrict 3Who’s running?Dom Belza, RepublicanAndrew Coolidge, RepublicanJames “Jamie” Johansson, RepublicanDistrict 7Who’s running?Amy L. Slavesnky, DemocratJosh Hoover, Republican and incumbentSanaz Motamedia, American IndependentDistrict 9Who’s running?Matthew Adams, DemocratMichael Perez, DemocratHeath Flora, Republican and incumbentTami Nobriga, RepublicanBrandon Owen, RepublicanJim Shoemaker, RepublicanDistrict 11Who’s running?Lori D. Wilson, Democrat and incumbentJenny Leilani Callison, no party preferenceRochelle Conner, no party preferenceDistrict 13Who’s running?Rhodesia Ransom, Democrat and incumbentAli Jafri, RepublicanTom Patti, RepublicanEliza Dy, No party preferenceHere are important voter deadlines and information on how to cast your ballot May 18 was the last day to register to vote, but California still offers Same Day Registration.May 19 to June 2 – If you missed the registration deadline, you can still complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process at early voting locations or on Election Day. Voters can “conditionally” register and vote a provisional ballot during this time.May 23 – 30 counties in the state will open their vote centers. These counties are part of the Voter’s Choice Act, which provides voters with 10 extra days to cast their ballots rather than waiting for Election Day.June 2 – Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.June 9 – Vote-by-mail ballots need to be received by this day to count. They must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office.July 2 – Last day for county elections officials to certify election results Think you’re registered to vote? How to double check your voter statusHere is where you can check if you are registered to vote and find your polling place.What to know about same-day voter registration in CaliforniaIf you missed the May 18 voter registration deadline, you can still “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office, polling place or vote center in the 14 days leading up to the election. These ballots are processed and counted after your voter registration is verified. Learn more here.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California voters on June 2, 2026, will be faced with deciding on a number of races that are likely to have wider impacts across the country.
| VIDEO ABOVE | What are California’s top elected offices responsible for?
The two main reasons for that are because Californians will not only be voting on a new governor, but they will also be voting on congressional members using the newly drawn district maps under Proposition 50.
Prop 50 was a response by California Democrats after Texas acted to redraw its districts to try to favor more Republicans as part of a battle to maintain power in Congress. Midterm elections, where voters are not deciding on the office of president, are also when pivotal power shifts could occur.
June 2 is a crucial date for many of the offices because of California’s top-two system, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of political affiliation, advance to November.
Exceptions to this rule include offices such as city mayor, city council, county sheriff, or special elections, where winning half of the votes plus one extra vote can decide a winner without having to go to the November General Election.
Below is our voter guide summarizing what voters across the state should know about coming into the election. Bookmark this article as we continue to add to it.
California governor
Because of the state’s two-term limit, Gov. Gavin Newsom will no longer be allowed to run for governor in California.
That means, regardless of who advances in June and wins in November, California voters will have a new leader.
This gubernatorial race is the first one in years where there is no clear frontrunner. It is also a crowded race in the Democratic pool, where the party chair has urged lower-polling Democrats to drop out to avoid the risk of Republicans beating them in the June primary.
See official governor candidate statements here.
As of May 6, these are the leading candidates for California governor.
Xavier Becerra
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden, former California attorney general
Previously stated goals if elected
Cut spending and raise taxes on the ultra-wealthy Continue providing health care to lower-income and undocumented immigrantsPush for affordable early education in daycares for 2- and 3-year-olds and change teacher compensationDeclare a state of emergency on housing and freeze property insurance and utility rates within his first 100 days as governorReduce the use of oil and gas
Steve Hilton
Political affiliation
Republican
Past experiences
Former Fox News commentator
Previously stated goals if elected
Propose $3 a gallon of gas50% cut in electricity and other energy costs
Propose no state income taxes on Californians making $100,000 or less a year
Cut Medi-Cal for undocumented people and propose a limited version of Medicaid similar to other statesUse an education model similar to Mississippi that holds students back until they can read
More construction of single-family homes
Enforce homeless encampment bans statewide and set up more mental health treatment facilities
Matt Mahan
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
San Jose mayor
Previously stated goals if elected
Suspend the 61-cent gas taxReduce the number of homeless individuals by fast-tracking the building and permitting processLower energy costsIncrease public safetyNot raise taxes, regularly audit programs and survey voters
Tom Steyer
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
Billionaire and climate activist
Previously stated goals if elected
Call a special legislative session to close corporate tax loopholes to force big businesses to pay the state’s government more moneyStreamline the permitting process to increase housing and increase the construction of industrial homes that can be built off-siteHave 1 million new homes constructed in the state in four yearsEliminate private health insurance and establish a universal, single-payer health care system in California
Chad Bianco
Political affiliation
Republican
Past experiences
Riverside County sheriff
Previously stated goals if elected
Cut regulations related to the environment, housing, farming, and other areas he believes are hindering businesses and driving up costs End state health insurance for undocumented immigrants Revisit how much of the state budget goes toward educationReverse criminal justice laws, including one that shifted responsibility for lower-level criminals from the state prison system to local law enforcement
Antonio Villaraigosa
Note: KCRA 3 is working on setting up an interview with Villaraigosa. This section of the guide will be updated if an interview happens.
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
Former California Assembly speaker and Los Angeles mayor
Goals, if elected, according to his campaign website
Fast-track new home constructionReform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)Jumpstart building up the state’s energy grid, water storage and transportation infrastructureBuild for greater solar and wind generation and build more transmission lines
Katie Porter
Note: KCRA 3 is working on setting up an interview with Porter. This section of the guide will be updated if an interview happens.
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
Former Congresswoman
Goals, if elected, according to her campaign site
Lower housing costs, including dropping the costs of apartments by 20%Expand and improve health care for all California residents, including abortion access and reproductive rightsPush for four years of free college tuitionRental assistance, rapid re-housing and interim housing for those experiencing homelessness
Tony Thurmond
Political affiliation
Democrat
Past experiences
California Superintendent
Previously stated goals if elected
Raise taxes on billionaires and provide tax credits to working peopleContinue health care coverage for undocumented immigrants and transition to a universal health care systemChange the way the state funds public schools by basing funding on student enrollment rather than daily attendanceRethink plans to cut oil and gas useHire 2,000 additional police officers and 911 dispatchers while funding more crime prevention programsRamp up mental health and substance abuse treatment centers and fund affordable housing
See the full list of candidates here.
Proposition 50-impacted districts
Since voters approved the Democratic-drawn maps, five districts were redrawn specifically to favor Democrats for the next three elections. That led to some drastic changes in the way those five districts look.
For example, before Prop. 50, Congressional District 3 was geographically the largest district in Northern California. Its new maps cut out the large swath of the Eastern Sierra that was once within its boundaries.
The five targeted districts
District 1District 3District 22District 41District 48
Because these districts were redrawn, there is a chance you might be in a different district even if yours was not directly targeted by Prop. 50.
Unsure if you are still in the same district? See this interactive graphic below.
Northern California congressional districts we’re monitoring
Note: We are still actively seeking interviews with candidates ahead of the election. More may be added to this section ahead of June 2.
District 1 (Prop 50-targeted)
Who’s running?
James Gallagher, RepublicanMike McGuire, DemocratAudrey Denney, DemocratJanice Karrman, DemocratTimothy Sean Kelly, No party preferenceRichard T. Minner, No Party preference
See our interview with some of the candidates below. Learn more about where they stand on the issues here.
See the full list of candidates here.
District 3 (Prop 50-targeted)
Who’s running?
Chris Bennet, DemocratAmi Bera, DemocratLyndon “Pacey” Cervantes, DemocratHeidi Hall, DemocratChristine Bish, RepublicanLaura Koscki, RepublicanRobb Tucker, RepublicanChris Richardson, Green
See the full list of candidates here.
District 4
Who’s running?
Eric Jones, DemocratMike Thompson, DemocratSharon Brown, RepublicanMandy Ghusar, RepublicanJimih Jones, RepublicanJohn Mackenzie, RepublicanRay Riehle, RepublicanChuck Uribe, RepublicanThomas M. Roach, No party preference
See the full list of candidates here.
District 5
Who’s running?
Michael J. “Mike” Barkley, DemocratMichael Masuda, DemocratDan Stroud, DemocratTom McClintock, Republican
See our interview with some of the candidates below. Learn more about where they stand on the issues here.
See the full list of candidates here.
District 6
Who’s running?
Lauren Babb Tomlinson, DemocratMartha Guerrero, DemocratThien Ho, DemocratRichard Pan, DemocratTyler Vandenberg, DemocratMichael Stansfield, RepublicanKevin Kiley, No party preference
See the full list of candidates here.
District 7
Who’s running?
Doris Matsui, DemocratRobby Morin, DemocratEnayat Nazhat, DemocratMai Vang, DemocratRalph Nwobi, RepublicanZachariah Wooden, Republican
See the full list of candidates here.
District 8
Who’s running?
Nicolas Carjuzaa, DemocratJohn Garamendi, DemocratAaron Rowden, DemocratRudy Recile, Republican
See the full list of candidates here.
District 9
Who’s running?
Josh Harder, DemocratKhalid Jeffrey Jafri, RepublicanJohn McBride, RepublicanParminder “Happy” Singh, RepublicanMartin “Vmann” Veprauskas, Republican
See the full list of candidates here.
District 13
Who’s running?
Daniel Garibay Rodriguez, DemocratAdam Gray, DemocratVin Kruttiventi, RepublicanKevin Lincoln, Republican
See the full list of candidates here.
Statewide offices aside from governorLieutenant governor
What this position does: Steps in for the governor at a moment’s notice, breaks deadlocks as president of the state Senate and serves on several boards and commissions.
Who’s running?
Josh Fryday, DemocratJanelle Kellman, DemocratJeyson Lopez, DemocratFiona Ma, DemocratOliver Ma, DemocratTim Myers, DemocratAbdur Rahman Sikder, DemocratMichael Tubbs, DemocratEbie Lynch, RepublicanDavid Collenberg, RepublicanDavid Fennell, RepublicanSkip Shelton, RepublicanAlice Stek, Peace and FreedomRakesh, Christian, No party preferenceSean Collison, No party preference
See official lieutenant governor candidate statements here.
Secretary of State
What this position does: Serves as the state’s elections chief by publishing the voter information guide, collecting and reporting election returns, testing voting equipment and certifying election results. They also keep a complete record of the official acts of the governor and the Legislature.
Who’s running?
Shirley N. Weber, Democrat and incumbentDonald P. (Don) Wagner, RepublicanGary N. Blenner, Green Michael Feinstein, Green
State Controller
What this position does: Tracks and protects the state’s public funds and is responsible for the lost and forgotten property that’s been turned over to the state. They also chair the Franchise Tax Board, sit on the boards of some public retirement systems and serve as one of five members of the State Board of Equalization.
Who’s running?
Malia M. Cohen, Democrat and incumbentHerb W. Morgan, RepublicanMeghann Adams, Peace and Freedom
See official secretary of state candidate statements here.
Treasurer
What this position does: Serves as California’s banker, investor and lead manager of the state’s assets. They chair and serve on several boards, commissions and bond finance committees, including the California Housing Finance Agency.
Who’s running?
Anna M. Caballero, DemocratEleni Kounalakis, DemocratTony Vazquez, DemocratJennifer Hawks, RepublicanDavid Serpa, RepublicanGlenn Turner, Green
See official treasurer candidate statements here.
Attorney General
What this position does: Serves as the state’s top lawyer and law enforcement officer, and also as the representative for the people of California in civil and criminal cases for state and federal courts.
Who’s running?
Rob Bonta, Democrat and incumbentMichael E. Gates, RepublicanMarjorie Mikels, Green
See official attorney general candidate statements here.
Insurance Commissioner
What this position does: Oversees regulating the state’s insurance industry and overseeing the implementation and enforcement of all of California’s insurance laws. They license more than 510,000 agents, brokers, adjusters, bail agents and business entities.
Who’s running?
Ben Allen, DemocratSteven Craig Bradford, DemocratJane Kim, DemocratPatrick Wolff, DemocratEric Thor Aarnio, RepublicanMerritt Farren, RepublicanRobert P. Howell, RepublicanSean Lee, RepublicanKeith W. Davis, American IndependentEduardo “Lalo” Vargas, Peace and Freedom
See official insurance commissioner candidate statements here.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
What this position does: Oversees the state’s Department of Education, manages education laws and regulations, and leads the operational aspects of the public school system, including teacher licensing.
Who’s running? (This is a non-partisan office, so candidates’ party affiliations are not provided)
Richard BarreraWendy Castaneda LealNichelle M. HendersonFrank LaraAinye LongGus MattammalAl MuratsuchiJosh NewmanAnthony Rendon
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Board of Equalization (District 1)
What this position does: Oversees taxes related to property, alcoholic beverages and insurance. The board also oversees practices for all county assessors for a uniform property tax system across the state.
Who’s running?
Nelson Esparza, DemocratDonald E. Williamson, DemocratDusty Beach, RepublicanShannon Grove, RepublicanNader F. Shahatit, Republican
See board of equalization candidate statements here.
State Legislature offices we’re monitoringState Senate
District 4
Who’s running?
Jaron Brandon, DemocratMarie Alvarado-Gil, Republican and incumbentAlexandra Duarte, Republican
District 6
Who’s running?
Sean Frame, DemocratSara Velasco, DemocratRoger Niello, Republican and incumbent
District 8
Who’s running?
Angelique Ashby, Democrat and incumbentSusan A. Mason, RepublicanLinda “LR” Roberts, Peace and FreedomState Assembly
District 1
Who’s running?
Dianna Margaret James, DemocratHeather Hadwick, Republican and incumbentDarin Hale, Republican
District 3
Who’s running?
Dom Belza, RepublicanAndrew Coolidge, RepublicanJames “Jamie” Johansson, Republican
District 7
Who’s running?
Amy L. Slavesnky, DemocratJosh Hoover, Republican and incumbentSanaz Motamedia, American Independent
District 9
Who’s running?
Matthew Adams, DemocratMichael Perez, DemocratHeath Flora, Republican and incumbentTami Nobriga, RepublicanBrandon Owen, RepublicanJim Shoemaker, Republican
District 11
Who’s running?
Lori D. Wilson, Democrat and incumbentJenny Leilani Callison, no party preferenceRochelle Conner, no party preference
District 13
Who’s running?
Rhodesia Ransom, Democrat and incumbentAli Jafri, RepublicanTom Patti, RepublicanEliza Dy, No party preferenceHere are important voter deadlines and information on how to cast your ballot
May 18 was the last day to register to vote, but California still offers Same Day Registration.
May 19 to June 2 – If you missed the registration deadline, you can still complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process at early voting locations or on Election Day. Voters can “conditionally” register and vote a provisional ballot during this time.
May 23 – 30 counties in the state will open their vote centers. These counties are part of the Voter’s Choice Act, which provides voters with 10 extra days to cast their ballots rather than waiting for Election Day.
June 2 – Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
June 9 – Vote-by-mail ballots need to be received by this day to count. They must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office.
July 2 – Last day for county elections officials to certify election results
Think you’re registered to vote? How to double check your voter status
Here is where you can check if you are registered to vote and find your polling place.
What to know about same-day voter registration in California
If you missed the May 18 voter registration deadline, you can still “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office, polling place or vote center in the 14 days leading up to the election. These ballots are processed and counted after your voter registration is verified. Learn more here.
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