The most recent vote tally in the California governor’s race indicates that Republican Steve Hilton remains in the lead with 27% of the vote. Following closely are Democrats Xavier Becerra with 26% and Tom Steyer with 20%. Updated figures were released from Los Angeles County, the largest population center in the state, which still has approximately 688,000 votes to process. More results are anticipated on Friday.
The two candidates with the most votes will move forward to November’s election. Despite Hilton and Becerra retaining their leading positions, the race dynamic remains unpredictable. At this point, the Associated Press has not declared a winner.
Los Angeles Mayoral Race
In the contest for the mayoral position in Los Angeles, current Mayor Karen Bass secured her position on the November ballot. However, her challenger is yet to be confirmed as vote counting continues. With 62% of the votes counted, Spencer Pratt, known from reality TV, is in second place, while City Councilmember Nithya Raman is in third. Though Pratt has claimed victory, the race remains uncalled by the Associated Press.
Orange County Congressional Races
“A clearer picture is emerging of how Orange County will shape up come November”
— Andrew Turner
Progress is being made on defining the upcoming congressional faceoffs in Orange County. As of the latest updates information is available on the 42nd, 45th, and 47th district races.
Steve Hilton and Election Integrity
Republican Steve Hilton stated in an election rally that no evidence of fraud had been identified but assured the public that vigilance would be maintained. President Trump, however, took to social media to allege without proof that fraud was taking place, tossing unfounded claims about both the governor and L.A. mayoral elections into the political discourse.
Spencer Pratt’s Controversial Comment
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt suggested that L.A.’s homeless could potentially head to Seattle to benefit from the city’s drug laws if elected. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson dismissed these claims, emphasizing the complexity of homelessness.
Los Angeles Voter Rejection of Hotel Tax Increase
Voters in Los Angeles have demonstrated opposition to a measure that proposed increasing the city’s hotel bed taxes ahead of the 2028 Olympics. This would have extended the tax to shorter-term rentals through services like Airbnb.
Impact of Proposition 50
Recently redrawn congressional maps influenced by Proposition 50 showed an interesting early pattern. Democratic candidates made expected advances in districts redrawn in their favor after last year’s passage of the measure by 65%. Yet, the final outcome remains undecided as votes continue to be counted.
Polling on Potential Mayoral Contests
The UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by The Times, conducted polling to gauge potential competition against Mayor Karen Bass. Against Spencer Pratt, Bass held a lead of 47% to Pratt’s 29%. In a match with Nithya Raman, Raman led Bass 32% to 28%.
Ongoing Tight Race Results
Despite having closed on election day, updates from 85 closely contested races continue. Late incoming mail-in ballots influence declaration speeds, often extending resolution timelines.
Trump’s Allegations
President Trump’s baseless accusations on social media about Democratic cheating in California’s vote count stirred controversy. A spokesperson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles did not comment on his assertions.
Shasta County Registrar Race Remains Hotly Contested
Clint Curtis, an election denier, faced fierce competition in a race for Shasta County registrar—a role previously considered non-contentious.
Bass Secures Spot in Mayoral Runoff
Current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass weathered a challenging campaign to secure a place in the November 3rd runoff. Her coalition came together, proving instrumental in this achievement.