California primary elections are set to take place on June 2 (Tuesday). From April 10 to 12, the California Republican Party held its annual convention at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, where over a thousand delegates voted to endorse 7 candidates for state positions in the upcoming primary. The California Democratic Party has also held its annual convention, focusing on endorsing candidates for state government positions and legislative bodies.
The California Democratic Party (CADEM) passed a resolution during its February convention to endorse the incumbent Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Auditor Malia Cohen, but did not make recommendations for governor, lieutenant governor, state superintendent of public instruction, and other state positions.
Prior to the convention, the California Republican Party (CAGOP) had already endorsed 14 congressional candidates, 23 state assembly candidates, 6 state senate candidates, and 1 State Board of Equalization candidate. Before that, CADEM had released its list of endorsements, recommending 46 congressional candidates, 68 state assembly candidates, 16 state senate candidates, and candidates for State Board of Equalization in 3 districts.
On Sunday (12th), the following 7 candidates endorsed by CAGOP received over 80% of the vote (far exceeding the required 60%); governor candidates did not reach the 60% threshold for endorsement.
1. Lt. Governor candidate Gloria Romero previously served as the majority leader and chair of the education committee in the California State Senate. There are 16 other candidates from various parties and nonpartisans running for Lieutenant Governor, including Democratic candidate Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer.
2. Attorney General candidate Michael Gates previously served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. During his tenure as a prosecutor in Huntington Beach, Orange County, he filed lawsuits against the state on issues such as housing and voter identification, as well as defending the state in lawsuits. Currently, there are 4 candidates for Attorney General.
3. Secretary of State candidate Don Wagner previously served as a state assembly member, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Mayor of Irvine, and Chair of the Community College District Board. His campaign billboards feature a small dog graphic, reminding people of a peculiar incident: in 2021 and 2022, a dog successfully cast mail-in ballots, and in 2024, receiving a voting ballot despite the dog’s passing. There are currently 4 candidates running for Secretary of State.
4. State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Sonja Shaw is the Chair of the Chino Valley School Board. Shaw received enthusiastic applause at the CAGOP convention for her efforts in advocating for parental rights. Among the 10 candidates is Democratic candidate Josh Newman, who served as a state senator for 6 years, was recalled in 2018, re-elected in 2020, and lost in 2024.
5. State Auditor candidate Herb Morgan has 37 years of experience in the finance sector. There are currently 3 candidates running for State Auditor.
6. State Treasurer candidate Jennifer Hawks has extensive experience in managing complex budgets and financial operations. The 6 candidates include the incumbent Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
7. Insurance Commissioner candidate Robert Howell is the CEO of a Silicon Valley cybersecurity equipment manufacturer. Among the 11 candidates are Democratic State Senator Benjamin Allen and former State Senator Steven Bradford.