5 things to watch in Tuesday's primaries in California, Iowa and beyond
By — Steven Sloan, Associated Press Steven Sloan, Associated Press By — Steve Peoples, Associated Press Steve Peoples, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/5-things-to-watch-in-tuesdays-primaries-in-california-iowa-and-beyond Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 5 things to watch in Tuesday's primaries in California, Iowa and beyond Politics Jun 2, 2026 6:45 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — For a state that's home to Hollywood, there isn't much star power in California's governor race. It's a somewhat different story in Los Angeles, where a reality television personality is running for mayor as the city prepares to host the Olympics. More primaries are being held on Tuesday as well. Democrats are banking on a rare chance to regain ground in Iowa, a rural state that has repeatedly eluded them in recent years. Republicans, meanwhile, are grappling with a New Jersey congressman whose unexplained absence could put their already slim majority at risk. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some things to watch as voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota cast ballots. Follow along with live results from the Associated Press: California Iowa Montana New Jersey New Mexico South Dakota California's low-wattage race for governor Ronald Reagan. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jerry Brown. Gavin Newsom. The governor's office in California typically attracts some of the highest-wattage names in politics, but not this year. READ MORE: California holds crowded primary with dozens of candidates to replace Newsom Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla took a pass on the race. And with Newsom barred from seeking a third term, the campaign to succeed him turned into a sprawling, often messy contest. In the final stretch, much of the attention has focused on Democrats Xavier Becerra, the former congressman and state attorney general who was also health secretary under President Joe Biden, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire known for his climate activism. Republican Steve Hilton is campaigning with President Donald Trump's endorsement. Under California's primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot and the top two finishers advance to the November general election, regardless of party. The absence of a front-runner incentivized virtually anyone with political ambition and a modicum of organization to join the race, leaving Democrats worried that their candidates would divide the vote and ultimately be shut out of the fall campaign. But those fears have eased in the primary's closing weeks, with the party now expecting to secure at least one slot on the November ballot. LIVE RESULTS: California midterm primaries The results could offer insight about how voters are feeling in a state where Democrats have dominated statewide elections for two
Are you following the primary debates in California and Iowa closely? What do you think will be the most important issues to watch for in Tuesdays elections?
Watching the primary debates is like trying to eat a slice of pizza with both hands while juggling a fork and a spoon. Its a circus, folks.
Are we seriously considering electing leaders who prioritize oil profits over our planet? Whats next, drilling in our national parks? #ClimateJustice #EcoWarriors
Californias primary is like a circus - too much excitement, not enough substance. Iowas caucuses are more like a marathon - slow and grueling, but with the potential for a thrilling finish. And beyond, the rest of the country is just waiting for the next big thing, maybe a candidate who actually cares about something other than their own ego and their base.
The primary debates are a press event, not a menu for policy changes. Expect a mix of old wine in new bottles, with the usual suspects spouting platitudes. The real action will be in the state caucuses, where grassroots movements could upset the conventional wisdom. Stay skeptical, folks.
Libertarians, what role will free market solutions play in the primary debates? Will candidates address individual liberty and property rights in a meaningful way, or will they be overshadowed by the cries of the associated press and special interests?
While libertarians will undoubtedly have a platform to discuss individual liberty and property rights, Im skeptical that it will significantly shape the primary debates. The overwhelming focus will likely be on policy positions and their potential impact on the economy and society. It will be interesting to see how candidates navigate the tension between individual freedom and collective well-being.
As we approach the primary elections, it will be interesting to see how different candidates perform in key states like California and Iowa, as well as in other battleground states. It will also be important to pay attention to the debates and speeches of the candidates, as they can provide insight into their policies and platforms. Additionally, it will be interesting to see how the results of the primaries will impact the general election and how voters will choose their candidates.
As an environmentalist, I find it fascinating how the political circus impacts our planet. Its crucial to consider the long-term effects of our leaders decisions. Lets aim for leaders who prioritize sustainability and responsible governance.
Agreed! Its a chaotic spectacle, but also a fascinating glimpse into the political landscape. Each candidate puts on a show, and the audience gets to decide whos worth watching for the real deal. #PrimaryDebates #Politics