California June 2026 Primary
California's top-two nonpartisan primary election is on June 2, 2026. The top two vote-getters in each race — regardless of party — advance to the November general election.
This guide covers statewide races and ballot measures, plus federal and state legislative races relevant to San Francisco voters. Endorsements are coming soon — check back as we add our analysis.
How To Vote
Your county elections office will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026. Vote centers open for early in-person voting on May 23, 2026. The filing deadline for candidates is March 6, 2026, so the candidate lists below may change.
Vote by mail
- Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Vote in person
- Vote at your local vote center or polling place on Election Day, Tuesday June 2, 2026
Statewide Races
Statewide Offices
Governor
Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run again. This is the most competitive race on the ballot, with a large field of candidates from both parties vying to lead the state.
The top two vote-getters in June will advance to the November general election, regardless of party. With so many Democrats running, it's possible two Democrats advance.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Matt Mahan | Democratic | Mayor of San Jose |
Lieutenant Governor
Incumbent Eleni Kounalakis is term-limited and is running for State Treasurer instead, leaving this seat open.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Josh Fryday | Democratic | Chief Service Officer for Governor Newsom |
Fiona Ma | Democratic | State Treasurer |
Mike Schaefer | Democratic | Member, State Board of Equalization |
Michael Tubbs | Democratic | Former Mayor of Stockton |
Attorney General
Incumbent Rob Bonta is running for re-election. Additional candidates may file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Rob Bonta | Democratic | Incumbent Attorney General |
Secretary of State
Incumbent Shirley Weber is running for re-election. Additional candidates may file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Shirley Weber | Democratic | Incumbent Secretary of State |
State Controller
Incumbent Malia Cohen is running for re-election. Additional candidates may file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Malia Cohen | Democratic | Incumbent State Controller |
State Treasurer
Incumbent Fiona Ma is term-limited, leaving this seat open. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis is among the declared candidates.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Anna Caballero | Democratic | State Senator |
Eleni Kounalakis | Democratic | Lieutenant Governor |
Tony Vazquez | Democratic | Member, State Board of Equalization; Former Mayor of Santa Monica |
Insurance Commissioner
Incumbent Ricardo Lara is term-limited, leaving this seat open. The role has gained increased scrutiny following the devastating wildfires of recent years.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Ben Allen | Democratic | State Senator |
Steven Bradford | Democratic | Former State Senator |
Stacy Korsgaden | Republican | Insurance Agent |
Patrick Wolff | Democratic | Business Executive / Chess Grandmaster |
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Incumbent Tony Thurmond is term-limited and is running for Governor instead. This is a nonpartisan office — candidates do not list party affiliation on the ballot. Candidates are expected to file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Profession |
|---|---|
Al Muratsuchi | Assemblymember |
Josh Newman | Former State Senator |
Anthony Rendon | Former Assembly Speaker |
Sonja Shaw | School Board President, Chino Valley USD |
San Francisco Federal & State Legislative Races
Federal
U.S. House — District 11
Nancy Pelosi announced she will leave Congress in January 2027, making this an open seat for the first time in nearly 40 years. This is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in California.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Scott Wiener | Democratic | State Senator |
State Legislature
State Assembly — District 17
Incumbent Matt Haney represents eastern San Francisco. Additional candidates may file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Matt Haney | Democratic | Incumbent Assemblymember |
State Assembly — District 19
Incumbent Catherine Stefani represents western San Francisco. Additional candidates may file before the March 6 deadline.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Who's running?
| Candidate | Party | Profession |
|---|---|---|
Catherine Stefani | Democratic | Incumbent Assemblymember |
Statewide Ballot Measures
Qualified Measures
Three measures have qualified for the June 2026 ballot so far. Additional measures may qualify before the election.
Proposition ACA 13
Voting Thresholds for Initiatives
What is it?
ACA 13 is a constitutional amendment referred by the state legislature. It would require that any ballot initiative proposing a supermajority voting threshold must itself pass by that same threshold. For example, an initiative requiring a two-thirds vote to raise taxes would itself need two-thirds of voters to approve it.
Why is it on the ballot?
According to Article XVIII of the California Constitution, amendments to the California Constitution initiated by the State Legislature must first be approved by a supermajority of both houses and the amendment must then be approved by voters with a simple majority of 50% + 1.
This measure was originally placed on the 2024 ballot but was moved to the 2026 ballot.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Proposition SCA 1
Recall Elections: Eliminate Successor Election
What is it?
SCA 1 is a constitutional amendment referred by the state legislature. It would change how recall elections for state officers work by eliminating the successor election — the part of the ballot where voters choose who would replace the recalled official. Under SCA 1, if a recall succeeds, the normal line of succession would apply instead of a simultaneous replacement election.
Why is it on the ballot?
According to Article XVIII of the California Constitution, amendments to the California Constitution initiated by the State Legislature must first be approved by a supermajority of both houses and the amendment must then be approved by voters with a simple majority of 50% + 1.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.
Proposition SB 42
California Fair Elections Act of 2026
What is it?
SB 42, the California Fair Elections Act of 2026, would authorize public financing for state and local election campaigns. This means candidates could receive government funds to help finance their campaigns, subject to certain conditions and limits.
Why is it on the ballot?
According to Article II, Section 8 of the California Constitution, citizens may introduce statutes (laws) by collecting signatures (5% of the votes cast in the most recent Governor's race). The statute must then be approved by voters with a simple majority of 50% + 1.
Our endorsement analysis is coming soon.