LOS ANGELES — California election officials on Tuesday continued counting ballots in the state’s gubernatorial primary, with Xavier Becerra leading early results and candidates Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton competing for the second spot in the November general election to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
California uses a “jungle primary” system in which all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election.
Early returns placed Becerra, a former U.S. health secretary and longtime elected official, in first place. Steyer, a businessman and Democratic candidate, and Hilton, a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump, remained in a close contest for second place.
Hilton campaigned on issues including housing costs, affordability and homelessness. Steyer focused his campaign on tax and utility-cost policies.
Election officials said final results could take several days because of California’s ballot-counting process and the volume of mail-in ballots.
The governor’s race takes place amid voter concerns about housing affordability, homelessness, utility costs and public services in the state.
Voters in Los Angeles also cast ballots Tuesday in the city’s mayoral primary.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass sought a second term against several challengers, including City Council member Nithya Raman and television personality Spencer Pratt.
Early results showed Pratt performing strongly in the race. Bass campaigned on her record in office, while opponents focused on issues including wildfire recovery, homelessness and city services.
Primary elections were also held Tuesday in Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.