California’s June 4 primary is shaping up as a high‑stakes contest in two of the state’s most visible races.. In Los Angeles, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces a well‑funded challenge from developer Rick Caruso and celebrity newcomer Spencer Pratt, while the governor’s race pits former Fox News host Steve Hilton against Democratic heavyweights Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. Early mail‑in turnout is low, leaving the outcome open to a late‑stage swing.

Steve Hilton’s plea for a united Republican front

Republican candidate Steve Hilton, a former Fox News personality and British political adviser, has publicly urged fellow GOP contender Sheriff Chad Bianco to exit the race, warning that a split vote could produce a “doomsday scenario” where only Democrats advance to the November runoff. According to the source , Hilton argues that such an outcome would depress Republican turnout and hurt down‑ballot races for Congress and the state legislature.

Berkeley poll shows three‑way dead heat among Becerra, Steyer and Hilton

A University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, co‑sponsored by The Los Angeles Times, surveyed 1,351 likely voters between May 19 and May 24 and found no statistically significant lead for any of the three top contenders in the governor’s race. The source notes that the poll reflects a tight three‑way race, underscoring the uncertainty that still surrounds the primary.

Spencer Pratt leverages wildfire loss to fuel mayoral bid

Reality‑TV star Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican who lost his home in the January 2025 wildfires, has centered his campaign on fire recovery and public safety, criticizing Mayor Karen Bass with the rallying cry, “We can’t give up on LA.” The source reports that a Berkeley poll shows Bass statistically tied with both Caruso and Pratt, highlighting a volatile electorate concerned about crime , homelessness and the pace of economic recovery.

Low mail‑in participation leaves room for a last‑minute surge

Mail voting began in early May, yet only 15% of ballots had been returned by the Sunday before the primary, according to the source. This low early turnout means that candidates still have a substantial window to mobilize supporters and sway undecided voters in what appears to be a closely contested sprint to the primary.

Who will fill the GOP’s top‑two slot in the governor’s race?

The source indicates that the Republican field includes over 50 candidates, but Hilton remains the most prominent figure seeking to secure one of the two spots on the November ballot. With Sheriff Chad Bianco still in the race, the question of whether the GOP can coalesce around a single contender remains unresolved.