loading . . . Who’s running for Congress in California? These races could determine the majority * * *
_Funded in part by: The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation_
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**In California’s June 2 primary , you can vote for any candidate from any party. The top two candidates move on to the November election, when voters choose the winner.**
**The governor’s race is wild.** With six Democrats and two Republicans leading the primary race, it’s a packed field. (Gavin Newsom is term-limited, so he can’t be governor again.)
* **Take our interactive quiz** to see which candidates match your views.
* **Watch our candidate interviews** to hear their stances on key issues.
**California’s midterm congressional elections feature redrawn maps.** After Proposition 50 passed, the state redrew its district boundaries, giving the advantage to Democrats in five of the nine California congressional seats held by Republicans. CalMatters is watching these key races.
**All 80 California Assembly seats are up for reelection, as well as 20 Senate seats** (those from even-numbered districts). CalMatters is watching these key Assembly and Senate races.
**CalMatters’ 2026 Voter Guide is here to help.** We break down key races, tell you who’s bankrolling each campaign, help you register to vote and find your polling place, and give you all the other information you’ll need to make your vote count.
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### Why trust us?
CalMatters has been reporting on what voters need to know in California elections for more than a decade. Our journalism is nonpartisan and independent from commercial or political interests. Read more about us.
## Key Dates
### May 4
Your county elections office will begin mailing out June 2 primary ballots. You can also pick up a ballot (or vote) at an Early Voting site.
### May 5
Secure ballot drop-off boxes open.
### May 18
**Last day to register online to vote for the primary election.** After May 18, you must complete same-day voter registration and request your ballot in person at your county election office or polling location.
### May 23
Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties.
### June 2
**PRIMARY ELECTION 2026**
Check Registration
Register to Vote
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### Our Voter Guide is supported by:
## What you need to know about voting
**Does everyone get a ballot in the mail?**
Yes. Under state law, vote-by-mail ballots are sent to every active registered voter.
**When will I receive my mail-in-ballot?**
Counties will begin mailing ballots by May 4.
**Other common questions:**
* Is my ballot safe?
* Am I registered to vote?
* Can I vote in person? Where is my polling place or vote center?
* How can I track my ballot?
* What should I do if I marked my ballot wrong, or otherwise messed it up?
**Need help? Readall the questions **we’ve answered about voting. Or **ask your own**.
**Be prepared for California’s primary:** Sign up for our election newsletter and be the first to know about breaking election news and key developments in the primary races.
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## CalMatters reporting on the 2026 California primary election
## Who’s running for Congress in California? These races could determine the majority
## Meet the candidates for California lieutenant governor: ‘A job about nothing’
## California’s race for secretary of state shows partisan divide over how to count ballots
## Credits
Your CalMatters 2026 Voter Guide is a team effort, made possible by the following:
**Reporting:** Ben Christopher, Nigel Duara, Carolyn Jones, Marisa Kendall, Jeanne Kuang, Nadia Lathan, Maya C. Miller, Levi Sumagaysay, Yue Stella Yu
**Data and interactives:** Mohamed Al Elew, Jeremia Kimelman
**Design and art direction:** Gabriel Hongsdusit
**Election newsletter:** Trevor Eischen
**Web development:** Matt McVickar, Miles Hilton, John Holdun
**Partnerships:** Mary Franklin Harvin, Dan Hu
**Social engagement and video:** Anna Almendrala, Morelia Cadenas Gutierrez, Michael Lozano, Maya C. Miller
**Video:** Fred Greaves, Miguel Gutierrez, Adriana Heldiz, Jungho Kim, Jeanne Kuang, Michael Lozano, Robert Meeks
**Translation and editing (Spanish):** Teresa Frontado, Angel Rodriguez
**Zine production:** Ali Frances, Halona Leung, Ramsey Isler
**Editing:** Adam Ashton, John Osborn D’Agostino, John D’Anna, Andrew Losowsky, Soo Oh, Sisi Wei, Juliet Williams https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/california-congressional-races-watch/
