California’s political landscape is undergoing significant shifts as the 2026 elections approach. With voter dissatisfaction at an all-time high, the races for governor and Los Angeles mayor are becoming increasingly competitive. In the gubernatorial race, Xavier Becerrathe former U.S. health secretary, has secured a spot in the November runoff, while the battle for the second spot is heating up between Steve Hiltona Republican and former Fox News host, and Tom Steyera progressive Democrat and billionaire climate activist.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, incumbent mayor karen bass is facing a challenging reelection campaign. Despite her efforts to address homelessness and housing affordability, voter dissatisfaction with her response to the Palisades Fire and other issues has made the race unexpectedly tight. Bass is now facing off against Spencer Pratta Republican reality TV star, and Nithya Ramana Democratic socialist councilwoman, in a race that is officially nonpartisan but has clear ideological undertones.
Gubernatorial race: Becerra leads, but Hilton and Steyer are hot on his heels
Becerra, who has spent over three decades in state and federal office, is positioning himself as the experienced candidate who can bring hot competence summer to California. His campaign has focused on his extensive public service record, emphasizing that the governorship is not a place for on-the-job training.
Hilton, on the other hand, is running as an outsider who promises to dismantle what he calls a bloated, nanny-state bureaucracy. His campaign has been marked by a focus on reducing regulations and cutting prices, with a particular emphasis on housing and energy costs. Hilton has also been cautious not to emphasize his endorsement by former President Donald Trumpas he will need to appeal to voters outside his party to win in the Democrat-dominated state.
Steyer, a billionaire climate activist, is framing the race as a contest between three candidates: himself, Hilton, and Becerra. He has described Hilton as a hard-right Republican who’s endorsed by Donald Trump and has criticized Becerra for accepting campaign contributions from Chevron. Steyer has also positioned himself as the only candidate who would support a billionaire tax in November.
LA mayoral race: Bass faces unexpected challenges from Pratt and Raman
Bass, who is seeking her second term as LA mayor, has faced criticism for her handling of the Palisades Fire and other issues. Despite a decrease in street homelessness, tent encampments abound, and housing remains extremely expensive. Bass has also been criticized for her response to the fire, which some say was inadequate given the severity of the danger.
Pratt, a registered Republican who gained fame on the reality TV show The Hillshas been running a buzzy, social media-driven campaign with populist messaging. His campaign has focused on promises to rid the city of disorder and dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on addressing homelessness. Pratt has also been vocal about his personal experience with the Palisades Firewhich destroyed his home.
Raman, a progressive city councilmember, has been focusing her campaign on affordability and infrastructure. She has also criticized Bass for her response to the fire, but her recent posts have been directed more at Pratt than at the incumbent mayor. Raman has cited a recent poll showing that, despite millions of dollars spent against her, she remains competitive in the race.
The role of social media in the LA mayoral race
Social media has played a significant role in the LA mayoral race, with Pratt’s campaign in particular gaining attention for its use of AI-generated videos. One of the most viewed videos featured Pratt as Batman and Bass as The Joker in a dystopian Los Angeles. The video, which was widely shared on social media, depicted Bass presiding over a dinner of French royalty while common people pleaded to remove homeless individuals from in front of schools and parks. At the end of the video, the people rise up and throw tomatoes at Bass, along with Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Raman has also been active on social media, using platforms like Instagram to share updates about her campaign and connect with voters. In a recent video, she cited a poll showing that her campaign remains competitive despite the significant spending against her. Raman has also used social media to highlight her plans for addressing affordability and infrastructure in Los Angeles.
As the election season continues, all eyes are on California to see how these tight races will play out. With voter dissatisfaction at an all-time high and unexpected candidates entering the fray, the outcomes of these races could have significant implications for the state’s political future.
