PRIMARY RESULTS: JUNE 2, 2026
Xavier Becerra (D) has advanced to the November 3 general election. The Associated Press called his spot on June 5. The second slot is not yet called: Steve Hilton (R) currently leads Tom Steyer (D) for the remaining position, with late vote-by-mail ballots, which have trended Democratic, still being counted. The remaining candidates have been eliminated. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign on April 12, 2026 and resigned from Congress on April 14; his name remained on the printed ballot.
Counting continues and totals will move. The Secretary of State certifies the official canvass by July 10, 2026. Top-tier percentages reflect the AP count as of June 8, 2026; full-field percentages reflect the California Secretary of State Election Night report. The CA Needs Alignment scores shown below reflect the pre-primary field assessment and are being recut for the Becerra versus Hilton general matchup.
Counting continues and totals will move. The Secretary of State certifies the official canvass by July 10, 2026. Top-tier percentages reflect the AP count as of June 8, 2026; full-field percentages reflect the California Secretary of State Election Night report. The CA Needs Alignment scores shown below reflect the pre-primary field assessment and are being recut for the Becerra versus Hilton general matchup.
Xavier Becerra
Former U.S. HHS Secretary (2021 to 2025) & CA Attorney General (2017 to 2021)
26.8%
Advanced
Years in Public Svc
~35 yrs (1986 to present)
Total Funds Raised
~$3.8M cash on hand (Jan '26)
Top Donor Industries
Healthcare
Law/Lobbying
Labor Unions
Finance
Progressive Orgs
Funding Mix (est.)
~70% in-state · ~30% out-of-state | Mostly individual donors, some PAC support
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Healthcare: single-payer support; negotiate drug prices; Medicaid defense
2 Housing: enforce state housing mandates; treat as essential infrastructure
3 Anti-Trump: leverage AG experience; 122 Trump lawsuits as AG precedent
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Pro-enforcement of state mandates
Healthcare
ACA architect; single-payer support; 24M enrolled
Environ.
Sued BLM over fracking; anti-drilling
Education
Expanded early childhood ed at HHS
Crim. Justice
Moderate; targeted ICE overreach
Key Legislative Accomplishments
Negotiated Medicare drug price reductions (38 to 79% discounts on 10 drugs, ~$6B savings); Expanded ACA to 24M; Led 122 Trump lawsuits as AG; Facebook antitrust suit; Managed $1.7T HHS budget
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ Criticized for low public visibility during COVID as HHS Sec. Association with alleged mismanagement scandal (unaware of wrongdoing; still a liability). Housing enforcement advocacy is new, limited record as AG on this front.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strong healthcare/legal alignment. Housing platform untested at scale. Low current poll viability.
Chad Bianco
Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner (2019 to present)
11.2%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~30 yrs (law enforcement career)
Total Funds Raised
~$2M (H2 2025); ~$1.8M COH
Top Donor Industries
Real Estate
Oil & Gas
Agriculture
Small Business
Law Enforcement
Funding Mix (est.)
~85% in-state (Inland Empire heavy) · Mostly individual donors
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Eliminate income tax; fund via oil production expansion
2 Repeal/challenge sanctuary state law (SB 54); full ICE cooperation
3 Law-and-order; DOGE-style state agency cuts; deregulation
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Deregulate; cut building codes
Healthcare
Limited undoc. access; no single-payer
Environ.
Expand oil production; gut env. regs
Education
School choice; cut DEI programs
Crim. Justice
Opposed pandemic orders; hard-line
Key Accomplishments / Record
Twice elected sheriff in Riverside County. Opposed vaccine/mask mandates during COVID. Actively suing state over sanctuary law. Scrutiny over jail deaths in county. Endorsed Trump policies.
Platform vs. Record Gap
🔴 Deaths in county jails under his watch draw scrutiny. "Eliminate income tax via oil" math untested. Strong conservative branding but limited statewide governing experience.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strongly misaligned with CA's majority on environment, healthcare, immigration. High poll numbers reflect voter frustration, not policy fit.
Steve Hilton
Political Commentator; Former Fox News Host; Former Advisor to UK PM David Cameron (2010 to 2012)
26.3%
2nd · uncalled
Years in Public Svc
~4 yrs (UK gov't); No U.S. elected record
Total Funds Raised
$4.1M (H2 2025); ~$2M COH
Top Donor Industries
Tech/Media
Finance
Real Estate
MAGA donors
Small Business
Funding Mix (est.)
~40% out-of-state (national conservative network) · Significant national GOP donor base
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Zero income tax on first $100K; return gas to $3/gal via cuts & oil
2 DOGE-CA: eliminate red tape, gut environmental/building regs
3 Housing via deregulation (anti-density mandates); end "climate crusade"
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Deregulate; anti-union housing mandates
Healthcare
"Everyone deserves care" but limit scope; no single-payer
Environ.
Anti-climate mandates; natural gas > renewables
Education
School choice; anti-DEI; some reform ideas
Crim. Justice
Anti-sanctuary; supports law enforcement discretion
Key Record / Accomplishments
Helped engineer UK Conservative cost-cutting 2010 to 2012. Led Brexit advocacy. Author: "Califailure" (2025), "Positive Populism." Renounced UK citizenship for this race. No California elected record. Highest individual fundraiser among declared candidates (ex-Steyer self-funding).
Platform vs. Record Gap
🔴 Zero U.S. elected experience. UK Tory tenure increased immigration despite promises to cut it. Shifted Conservative Party left on social issues. No California governing track record whatsoever, pure media-to-candidate pipeline.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Leads polls despite having no CA governing experience. Anti-environment stance misaligns severely. Voter frustration fueling support, not policy match.
Matt Mahan
Mayor of San Jose (2022 to present); Former San Jose City Councilmember (2020 to 2022)
4.5%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~5 yrs (2020 to present)
Total Funds Raised
Limited, did not file H2 '25 reports at major tier
Top Donor Industries
Silicon Valley Tech
Real Estate
Business/Chamber
Venture Capital
Funding Mix (est.)
~90%+ in-state (Bay Area tech-heavy) · Mostly individual/business donors
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Homelessness: results-based accountability; fentanyl intervention
2 Housing: cut permitting timelines; SJ has delivered above state housing goals
3 Business-friendly governance; reduce regulatory burden; fiscal discipline
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Exceeded state housing mandates as mayor
Healthcare
Moderate; focused on mental health & addiction
Environ.
Supports clean tech; pragmatic approach
Education
Vocational training; tech workforce
Crim. Justice
Moderate; fentanyl enforcement; opposed by SEIU
Key Accomplishments
Led San Jose's homelessness encampment resolution strategy; exceeded state housing production targets; negotiated public safety reforms. Anti-endorsement from SEIU signals labor tension. Rick Caruso endorsement.
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ Very limited statewide profile. Moderate-to-centrist positioning may struggle with primary electorate. SEIU anti-endorsement signals friction with progressive base. Running as "doer" but city-scale record may not translate.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strong local housing/homelessness record. Pragmatic governing style fits CA's needs but political viability is very low at current polling.
Katie Porter
Former U.S. Rep. CA-47 (2019 to 2025); Law Professor, UC Irvine
4.9%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~6 yrs Congress (2019 to 2025)
Total Funds Raised
~$3.2M COH (Jan '26)
Top Donor Industries
Small Donors (grassroots)
Labor
Education
Healthcare Advocacy
Tech (individual)
Funding Mix (est.)
~55% in-state / ~45% out-of-state (national progressive donor base) · Heavy small-dollar individual focus
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Housing: speed approvals; innovative construction; SB 79 endorsement
2 Free childcare for all Californians; affordability as "touchstone issue"
3 Single-payer healthcare; defend against federal Medicaid cuts
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
SB 79 endorsement; Section 8 expansion; LIHTC increase
Healthcare
Single-payer pledge; pharma accountability; No-Surprise Act
Environ.
Anti-offshore drilling; 100% renewables goal; NOAA defense
Education
Free childcare; higher ed funding; No Child Left Behind repeal advocate
Crim. Justice
ICE abolition stance; police violence reform; reparations task force support
Key Accomplishments
Raised firefighter pay legislation (passed House); Anti-price-gouging bills; Drug pricing accountability work; Held pharma/insurance CEOs accountable in congressional hearings; Equality Act co-sponsor; No-Surprise Act vote
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ Reversed single-payer position (called "unrealistic" in 2025, then endorsed at convention). CBS interview walkout controversy. House bills passed chamber but died in Senate, limited enacted record. Declining poll trajectory from early frontrunner status.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strong policy alignment with CA progressive needs. Accountability brand is compelling. Needs to consolidate support, poll decline is a structural risk in top-two system.
Tom Steyer
Billionaire Entrepreneur; Founder Farallon Capital & NextGen America; 2020 Presidential Candidate
21.0%
3rd · in contention
Years in Public Svc
~13 yrs (activist/nonprofit; no elected office)
Total Funds Raised
$28M+ (self-funded); $26M already spent
Top Donor / Funding Source
Tom Steyer (self)
Farallon Capital connections
Climate networks
Progressive bundlers
Funding Mix
~100% self-funded to date · Primarily personal wealth · Out-of-state name recognition, but CA-focused spend
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Affordability: largest affordable housing push in CA history; take on utility monopolies
2 Anti-corporate: make corporations pay "fair share"; outsider vs. Sacramento establishment
3 Climate/energy: lower energy prices; clean transition; anti-Big Oil legacy
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Most ambitious housing push in state history pledge
Healthcare
Single-payer support; raised billions for CA healthcare via ballot
Environ.
Founded NextGen America; defeated Big Oil on Prop 23; climate leader
Education
Raised billions for CA schools via ballot measures
Crim. Justice
Reform-leaning; limited specific record
Key Accomplishments (Outside Office)
Defeated Prop 23 (Big Oil CA climate repeal); Closed corporate tax loophole; Prop on cigarette tax for healthcare; Raised billions for CA schools & healthcare without tax increases; $13M in Prop 50 (redistricting) ads; NextGen America youth voter mobilization nationwide
Platform vs. Record Gap
🔴 Self-funded $26M spent, still only 8 to 10% in polls, worst ROI in the field. Farallon Capital's record includes fossil fuel investments, contradicting climate activist brand. No governing experience. 2020 presidential run: spent $hundreds M, won zero delegates.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strong on climate/housing alignment. Self-funding model historically weak in CA. Corporate background complicates progressive credibility. Enormous spend yielding minimal polling gains.
Eric Swalwell
U.S. Representative CA-14 (2013 to present); Former Alameda County Prosecutor; Former Dublin City Councilmember
0.4%
Withdrew Apr 12
Years in Public Svc
~14 yrs Congress + local service
Total Funds Raised
Undisclosed, late entrant (Nov '25); gaining momentum
Top Donor Industries
Labor (SEIU endorsed)
Legal/Trial Lawyers
Tech (individual)
Progressive PACs
Small-dollar online
Funding Mix (est.)
~60% in-state / ~40% out-of-state (national Trump-resistance donor base) · Mix of labor, individual, small-dollar
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Safety: "Fighter and Protector", defend CA from Trump/ICE; public safety first
2 Cost emergency Day 1: 90-day mandate for housing applications; cut red tape
3 Healthcare public option (vs. single-payer); increase revenue for education
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Day-1 cost emergency; deregulate "blue state red tape"
Healthcare
Public option (not single-payer); protect Medicaid
Environ.
Against offshore drilling; clean energy; anti-DOGE EPA cuts
Education
Revenue increase for education; repeal No Child Left Behind
Crim. Justice
Former prosecutor; supported Prop 36 (2024); ICE restrictions but voted to "thank" ICE (controversy)
Key Accomplishments
Trump Impeachment Manager (2021); House Intelligence Committee (expelled by McCarthy 2023); Led Hate Crimes Unit as DA; Founded Future Forum (millennial policy group); California Democratic Party convention delegate leader (24%); SEIU CA endorsement; CA Federation of Labor co-endorsement
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ Controversy: Lives in DC/Maryland (residency challenge filed by Steyer). Voted to "thank ICE" while running on ICE reform, drew Porter attack. Known as TV sparring partner, not policy builder. Leadership role on affordability not yet tested in executive function.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Current frontrunner among Democrats. Policy alignment solid but public option vs. single-payer differentiator may cost progressive votes. Residency and ICE vote controversies are vulnerabilities.
Tony Thurmond
CA Superintendent of Public Instruction (2019 to present); Former Assemblymember AD-15 (2015 to 2019)
0.7%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~11 yrs (Assembly + Superintendent)
Total Funds Raised
$181K (H2 2025), spent more than raised
Top Donor Industries
Teachers Unions
Education advocacy
Labor
Community orgs
Funding Mix (est.)
~95% in-state · Union and education-sector dominated
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Education equity: student mental health; universal pre-K; defend public schools
2 Single-payer healthcare support; expand Medi-Cal
3 Anti-Trump: protect immigrant students; defend DEI in education
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Limited housing-specific record
Healthcare
Single-payer; Medi-Cal expansion; student mental health focus
Environ.
Green schools; environmental education
Education
Core focus: literacy, mental health, equity, universal pre-K
Crim. Justice
School-to-prison pipeline reform; restorative justice
Key Accomplishments
Led statewide COVID school reopening plan. Expanded mental health services in schools. Literacy initiatives. Managed Dept during pandemic. Second-highest convention delegate vote among candidates (after Swalwell); attended housing forum when others didn't. Defended immigrant students from federal pressure.
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ CA test scores and reading proficiency still lagging under his tenure, critics note limited measurable gains despite tenure. Fundraising is dangerously low. Narrow policy lane (education) may be insufficient for statewide executive race.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Authentic education mandate. Policy alignment good on healthcare/environment/CJ. Fundraising collapse and poll floor make viability near-zero without major consolidation event.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Former LA Mayor (2005 to 2013); Former CA Assembly Speaker (1998 to 2000); 2018 Gubernatorial Candidate
1.3%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~20+ yrs (Assembly + Mayor + advocacy)
Total Funds Raised
~$2M (H2 2025); ~$3.4M COH
Top Donor Industries
Real Estate/Dev.
Charter School/Ed reform
Infrastructure
Finance
LA business community
Funding Mix (est.)
~75% in-state (LA-heavy) / ~25% out-of-state · Corporate & real estate significant
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Economic growth; infrastructure investment; LA legacy as proof of delivery
2 Homelessness: policing component; boosted LAPD as mayor
3 Education reform (charter-friendly; moderate on unions)
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Infrastructure-focused; market-rate + affordable mix
Healthcare
Expanded children's health as mayor; supports expansion
Environ.
LA greenspace; transit expansion; pro-climate overall
Education
Charter school advocate; mixed labor relations
Crim. Justice
Boosted LAPD; moderate reform; not hard-left on CJ
Key Accomplishments
Mayor Karen Bass endorsement. Co-chair Hillary Clinton 2008. DNC chair 2012. Expanded LAPD staffing. Greenways initiative in LA. Assembly Speaker, first Latino in modern era. Failed 2018 gov bid. CA Federation of Labor co-endorsement in 2026.
Platform vs. Record Gap
⚠ LA homelessness crisis worsened after his tenure. Charter school advocacy puts him at odds with public school unions. Personal life controversies (affair while mayor). Already lost 2018 governor primary, name recognition hasn't translated to poll support in 2026 either.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Strongest executive experience among Democrats. Moderate positioning could work in general but is struggling in primary. Homelessness legacy and labor tensions are real liabilities.
Betty Yee
Former CA State Controller (2015 to 2023); Former CA Board of Equalization; CA Dem. Party Vice Chair (2021 to present)
0.5%
Eliminated
Years in Public Svc
~25+ yrs (Board of Eq. + Controller + Dem. Party)
Total Funds Raised
$342K (H2 2025), spent more than raised
Top Donor Industries
Labor
State employee unions
Finance/Accounting
Public sector
Funding Mix (est.)
~95% in-state · Dominated by public sector unions and individual CA donors
Top 3 Stated Priorities
1 Fiscal transparency and accountability; budget crisis expertise
2 Single-payer healthcare; healthcare cost containment
3 Tax equity; making corporations and wealthy pay their share
Key Votes / Issue Stances
Housing
Supports affordable housing; budget-focused approach
Healthcare
Single-payer; healthcare cost containment; Medi-Cal protection
Environ.
Climate bond oversight; green investment tracking as controller
Education
Education funding oversight; Prop 98 defense
Crim. Justice
Racial equity lens; limited specific record
Key Accomplishments
Oversaw CA's largest-ever state budget as Controller (~$230B). Managed $100B+ in state investments. Led tax fraud enforcement. Budget transparency reports. 2nd-highest CADEM convention vote after Swalwell. Strong fiscal management record. Key finance official under Gov. Gray Davis during dot-com bust.
Platform vs. Record Gap
✅ Most consistent platform-to-record match in the field. Controller role is inherently low-profile, limiting name recognition. Fundraising collapse is critical, she's the most policy-competent candidate per role, with the weakest political infrastructure.
CA Needs Alignment Score
Highest platform-record alignment score. Fiscal expertise is precisely what CA's structural deficit crisis needs. Devastating fundraising gap makes her a long-shot despite strong credentials.
| Candidate | Party | Current/Recent Role | Yrs Pub. Svc | Funds Raised | Top Donor Industries | In-State % | Corporate/Ind/PAC | Housing Stance | Healthcare Stance | Environ. Stance | Education Stance | Crim. Justice | Priority 1 | Priority 2 | Priority 3 | Key Accomplishments | Platform-Record Gap | CA Align. Score | Primary Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xavier Becerra |
Dem | Former HHS Sec (2021 to 2025); Former CA AG | ~35 yrs | ~$3.8M COH | Healthcare, Law, Labor, Finance | ~70% in-state | Mostly individual + some PAC | Enforce state mandates; affordable as infrastructure | Single-payer support; ACA architect; negotiated drug prices | Anti-drilling; sued BLM over fracking | Expanded early childhood at HHS | Moderate; targeted ICE overreach | Healthcare reform / ACA defense | Housing enforcement | Anti-Trump resistance (122 lawsuits as AG) | $6B Medicare savings; 24M ACA enrolled; 122 Trump lawsuits | Low COVID visibility as HHS Sec; housing advocacy untested | 78/100 | 26.8% · Advanced |
Chad Bianco |
Rep | Riverside County Sheriff (2019 to present) | ~30 yrs (LE) | ~$2M raised; ~$1.8M COH | Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, LE | ~85% in-state | Mostly individual; some business | Deregulate; cut building codes | No single-payer; limit undoc. access | Expand oil production; gut env. regs | School choice; cut DEI | Hard-line; opposed COVID mandates; ICE cooperation | Eliminate income tax (oil-funded) | Repeal sanctuary law; ICE cooperation | DOGE-style state cuts; deregulation | Twice elected sheriff in Riverside; COVID mandate opposition | Jail death scrutiny; tax math untested; limited statewide exp. | 32/100 | 11.2% · Eliminated |
Steve Hilton |
Rep | Political commentator; Former UK PM Advisor (2010 to 2012) | ~4 yrs (UK); 0 U.S. elected | $4.1M raised; ~$2M COH (top non-Steyer) | Tech/Media, Finance, MAGA donors | ~60% in-state | Individual heavy; national conservative PACs | Deregulate; anti-union housing mandates | "Universal" but limited; no single-payer | Anti-climate mandates; natural gas > solar | School choice; cut DEI | Anti-sanctuary; law enforcement discretion | Zero income tax on first $100K; $3/gal gas | DOGE-CA: cut regulations & state spending | End "climate crusade"; natural gas expansion | UK cost-cutting 2010 to 2012; Brexit advocate; top fundraiser | Zero U.S. elected exp.; UK Tory legacy increased immigration | 28/100 | 26.3% · 2nd, uncalled |
Matt Mahan |
Dem | Mayor of San Jose (2022 to present) | ~5 yrs | Limited, low tier | SV Tech, Real Estate, VC, Chamber | ~90%+ in-state | Individual/business heavy | Exceeded state housing targets as mayor | Moderate; mental health/addiction focus | Clean tech; pragmatic approach | Vocational training; tech workforce | Moderate; fentanyl enforcement | Homelessness results-based accountability | Housing: cut permitting timelines | Business-friendly governance; fiscal discipline | SJ housing production above state targets; homeless reform | SEIU anti-endorsement; limited statewide profile; centrist in progressive primary | 65/100 | 4.5% · Eliminated |
Katie Porter |
Dem | Former U.S. Rep CA-47 (2019 to 2025) | ~6 yrs Congress | ~$3.2M COH | Small donors (grassroots), Labor, Healthcare advocacy | ~55% in-state | Small-dollar individual dominant | SB 79 endorsement; Section 8 expansion; anti-red tape | Single-payer pledge; pharma accountability; No-Surprise Act | Anti-offshore drilling; 100% renewables; wildfire funding | Free childcare for all CA; higher ed funding | ICE abolition; police reform; reparations support | Housing + free childcare (affordability) | Single-payer healthcare | Stand up to Trump / federal overreach | Firefighter pay bill; No-Surprise Act; drug pricing hearings; Equality Act co-sponsor | Single-payer reversal (2025 said "unrealistic," then endorsed); CBS walkout controversy; poll decline | 82/100 | 4.9% · Eliminated |
Tom Steyer |
Dem | Billionaire Entrepreneur; Founder Farallon Capital & NextGen America | ~13 yrs (activist) | $28M+ (self); $26M spent | Self (Farallon); climate networks; progressive bundlers | Self-funded (CA spent) | 100% self-funded | Promises "largest affordable housing push in CA history" | Single-payer; raised billions for CA healthcare via ballot | Defeated Big Oil Prop 23; NextGen America; climate leader | Raised billions for CA schools via ballot measures | Reform-leaning; limited specific record | Affordability: housing + utility monopoly break-up | Corporate accountability (fair share) | Climate transition; lower energy prices | Prop 23 defeat; corporate tax loophole closure; cigarette tax for healthcare; NextGen America | Farallon invested in fossil fuels; $26M spent for ~8 to 10% polls; 2020 zero delegates | 72/100 | 21.0% · 3rd |
Eric Swalwell |
Dem | U.S. Representative CA-14 (2013 to present) | ~14 yrs Congress + local | Undisclosed, late entrant; leading Dem COH by momentum | Labor (SEIU), Legal, Tech individuals, Progressive PACs | ~60% in-state | Labor/individual mix; national small-dollar | Day-1 cost emergency; 90-day housing approval mandate; cut red tape | Public option (not single-payer); protect Medicaid | Anti-offshore drilling; clean energy; anti-DOGE EPA | Revenue increase for education; No Child Left Behind repeal | Former prosecutor; Prop 36 support; ICE restrictions w/ controversy | Protect CA from Trump/ICE (fighter/protector) | CEO of lowering costs: declare cost emergency Day 1 | Healthcare public option; raise revenue for education | Trump Impeachment Manager; House Intel (expelled by McCarthy); Hate Crimes Unit; SEIU endorsement; CADEM delegate leader | DC residency controversy; "thanked ICE" vote (vs. ICE abolition platform); no concrete policy before launch | 76/100 | 0.4% · Withdrew |
Tony Thurmond |
Dem | CA Superintendent of Public Instruction (2019 to present) | ~11 yrs | $181K (H2 2025), underfunded | Teachers Unions, Education advocacy, Labor | ~95% in-state | Union/individual; no significant PAC | Limited housing record | Single-payer; Medi-Cal expansion; student mental health | Green schools; environmental education | Core focus: literacy, mental health, equity, universal pre-K | School-to-prison pipeline reform; restorative justice | Education equity / public school defense | Single-payer healthcare | Protect immigrant students; anti-Trump on DEI/education | COVID school reopening; mental health services expansion; 2nd CADEM convention; housing forum attendee | CA test scores still lagging under tenure; narrow education lane; fundraising collapse | 70/100 | 0.7% · Eliminated |
Antonio Villaraigosa |
Dem | Former LA Mayor (2005 to 2013); Former Assembly Speaker | ~20+ yrs | ~$2M raised; ~$3.4M COH | Real Estate/Dev., Charter/Ed reform, Finance, LA business | ~75% in-state | Corporate/real estate significant + individual | Infrastructure-focused; market-rate + affordable mix | Expanded children's health as mayor; supports expansion | LA greenspace; transit; pro-climate overall | Charter school advocate; mixed labor | Boosted LAPD; moderate reform; not hard-left | Economic growth; infrastructure investment | Homelessness: policing + housing component | Education reform (charter-friendly) | LA mayorship; Assembly Speaker; DNC chair; Karen Bass endorsement; CA Fed. of Labor co-endorsement | LA homelessness worsened after tenure; charter school vs. union tension; personal life controversies; already lost 2018 primary | 68/100 | 1.3% · Eliminated |
Betty Yee |
Dem | Former CA State Controller (2015 to 2023); CA Dem Party VP | ~25+ yrs | $342K raised (H2 2025), spent more than raised | Labor, State employee unions, Finance/Accounting, Public sector | ~95% in-state | Union/individual; minimal PAC | Supports affordable housing; budget-focused approach | Single-payer; cost containment; Medi-Cal protection | Climate bond oversight; green investment tracking | Education funding oversight; Prop 98 defense | Racial equity lens; limited specific CJ record | Fiscal transparency and budget expertise | Single-payer healthcare | Tax equity: corporations pay fair share | Managed $230B+ CA budget; $100B+ investments; fraud enforcement; 2nd CADEM convention delegate vote | Low-profile role limits name recognition; $342K fundraising is disqualifying at statewide level | 80/100 | 0.5% · Eliminated |