Six-state primary: Becerra, Hilton lead California governor race

Voters in six U.S. states went to the polls Tuesday in a series of important primaries, shaping the political landscape ahead of November's midterm elections. The races include the California governor's election to replace incumbent Gavin Newsom, Senate and governor races in Iowa, House races in New Jersey, and key contests in New Mexico, Montana, and South Dakota.

Midterm elections are often seen as a gauge of public support for the sitting president. This year, as President Donald Trump faces a steep decline in approval ratings due to the Iran war, observers are watching more closely than ever.

California: Becerra-Hilton showdown

While millions of votes remain uncounted for governor candidates, California voters appear headed toward a November showdown between Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican candidate Steve Hilton. The winner of the November midterm will replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run for a third term.

Xavier Becerra, former Health Secretary and California Attorney General, emerged as a leading candidate among a large field of Democrats. Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host backed by Trump, built his campaign around popular concerns over housing costs, homelessness, and affordability.

Kimberly L Nalder, director of the 'Smart Voter Project' at Sacramento State University, said Becerra's strong performance suggests many voters may seek continuity rather than a sharp change after Newsom's tenure. She pointed to voters' rejection of Newsom's recall effort in 2021 as evidence that many Californians remain comfortable with Democratic leadership. 'If they choose a traditional candidate like Becerra, it shows Californians are happy with the same direction,' she said.

According to Nalder, voting strategy could play a key role in the primary. Under California's top-two system, the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party. Some Democrats appeared to back candidates they believe have the best chance of advancing in November. 'Democrats are scared of a double Republican result,' she added.

In San Francisco, State Senator Scott Wiener advanced in the race to replace former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also appears likely to advance to November's ballot as she seeks a second term after four turbulent years.

Iowa: Rare Trump loss

One of the biggest surprises of the night came from Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, where businessman Zach Lahn defeated U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, despite Feenstra receiving Trump's endorsement. Lahn campaigned as a conservative outsider, supporting a comprehensive abortion ban, opposing what he calls liberal ideology in public schools, and backing the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement.

The result is notable because it shows Trump's endorsement, while powerful, is not always decisive. Lahn will face State Auditor Rob Sand, whom Democrats consider one of their strongest statewide candidates in years.

Iowa: High-stakes Senate race

Iowa voters also set up a tight Senate race. State Representative Josh Turek defeated State Senator Zach Wahls in the Democratic primary, while U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson won the Republican nomination. Turek, a former Paralympian, casts himself as an outsider fighting for the working class. Hinson, who received endorsements from Trump and retiring Senator Joni Ernst, enters the race as the Republican favorite. However, Democrats believe this open seat gives them one of their best pick-up opportunities of the cycle.

New Jersey: Tense House race

Democrats selected Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, to take on Republican U.S. Representative Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, one of the most competitive House races in the country. It is a top target for Democrats as they seek to regain the House. Bennett has focused her campaign on Kean's extended absence from Congress for undisclosed health reasons. The race is expected to be highly unpredictable in November.

New Mexico: Historic opportunity

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, 65, won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor, keeping alive historic hopes that she could become the first Native American woman elected governor in the United States. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe and the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet, will face Republican candidate Greggory Hull in the November general election. The election comes as New Mexico benefits from a surge in oil revenue, linked to the Iran conflict.

Montana and South Dakota

Voters in Montana and South Dakota also set key nominations ahead of November. In Montana, Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead and Republican candidate Kurt Alme secured their party's nominations for an open Senate seat. In South Dakota, Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican nomination for the state's sole House seat.