Voters in Six States Decide Key Congressional and Gubernatorial Primaries
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Voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, and New Mexico are selecting candidates in congressional and gubernatorial primaries on June 2, 2026. The outcomes will shape the November general election landscape, determining nominees for open governorships in Iowa and California and for numerous competitive House and Senate seats. These primaries serve as an early test of party influence ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.
Facts First
- California holds a 'jungle primary' where the top two vote-getters for each office, regardless of party, advance to November.
- Iowa's first open gubernatorial race since 2011 features five Republicans competing for the nomination, with the winner to face unopposed Democrat Rob Sand.
- California Democrats have five new Democratic-leaning congressional districts after voters allowed the party to redraw the state's map.
- Several races feature ideological clashes within parties, including progressive vs. moderate Democratic primaries in California, Iowa, and New Jersey.
- Notable departures create open seats including those held by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Montana Senators Steve Daines and Ryan Zinke.
What Happened
Primaries are being held on June 2, 2026, in six states: California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, and New Mexico. California uses a unique system where all candidates appear on a single ballot and the top two finishers advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. Key contests include the race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom in California, featuring Democratic candidates Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton. In Iowa, the first open gubernatorial race since 2011 includes five Republicans, with Representative Randy Feenstra endorsed by Donald Trump. Several congressional seats across these states are also open due to retirements or redistricting.
Why this Matters to You
These primaries will determine the candidates you can vote for in November, shaping the choices for your representation in Congress and in statehouses. The outcomes could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, which in turn affects national policy on issues from healthcare to infrastructure. If you live in a newly redrawn district, your congressional representation may change significantly based on today's results. The races also serve as a signal of voter sentiment, which could influence political strategies and priorities heading into the next presidential election cycle.
What's Next
Winners of today's primaries will advance to the November 3, 2026, general election. In Iowa, if no Republican gubernatorial candidate secures 35% of the primary vote, the nominee will be decided by delegates at a state convention. Several races are likely to be closely contested in the fall, including the open Senate seat in Iowa and multiple House districts in California and New Jersey. The results from these primaries may indicate which wings of the major parties are gaining strength ahead of further ideological showdowns scheduled later in the year in states like New York, Minnesota, and Michigan.