Early primary election results pour in from across the Central Coast

California’s June 3 primary election produced preliminary results indicating a cross-party matchup in the governor’s race, with Republican Steve Hilton leading at 27.8% and Democrat Xavier Becerra at 25.4%, according to the Associated Press. The top two candidates, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election. Locally, Hilton led in San Luis Obispo County with 33%, while Democrat Tom Steyer topped Santa Barbara County with 28%. In San Luis Obispo County, incumbent Democrat Jimmy Paulding maintained a narrow lead in District 4’s supervisor race over Republican Adam Verdin, while independent Michael Erin Woody led District 2’s race against Democrat Jim Dantona by 240 votes. Both seats were decided in the primary, with no runoff needed. Santa Barbara County’s District 5 supervisor race remains undecided, with high school teacher Ricardo Valencia leading at 37% and Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez second at 33.39%, likely triggering a November runoff. For congressional races, incumbent Democrat Salud Carbajal secured advancement in District 24, covering Santa Barbara and parts of San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties, while Democrat Jimmy Panetta will face Republican Peter Verbica in District 19. Both races proceed to November, with Carbajal criticizing the Trump administration and Republican policies in a press release. Counting continues across counties, with San Luis Obispo’s local results expected Thursday evening. The primary’s outcomes reflect a mix of immediate victories and tight contests, shaping California’s November ballot. Key races, including governor and congressional seats, now head toward a general election with no party dominance in the top gubernatorial spots.