What to Know About the California Primary Election

The California primary election will begin to chart a course for the nation’s most populous state for years — and possibly generations — to come. The state’s long-ruling Democratic Party is at an inflection point, and residents continue to struggle with the high cost of living, fears over immigration raids and the ever-rising threat of natural disasters driven by climate change. Still, many Californians have delayed tuning in to the races that could shape their lives, particularly the race for governor. That is likely to change this week with back-to-back televised gubernatorial debates, starting with one airing nationally on CNN at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The events come as voters statewide have begun receiving their ballots, allowing them to participate early in the June 2 primary. The most significant contest this election is the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who can’t run again because of term limits. And in Los Angeles, voters will decide whether to give Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, another term or support one of her challengers, including a former ally on the City Council and a reality television star. Here’s what to know about the California primary election. What is happening in the governor’s race? No candidate has seized control of the race after more than a year of campaigning for the state’s top job, and Democrats in particular have struggled to winnow their field. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.