California 2026 Primary Election

About This Race

The California Statewide Direct Primary Election on June 2, 2026, will determine which candidates advance to the general election for various state and federal offices, including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state constitutional offices. California uses a top-two primary system where the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the November general election.

Candidates

Important Dates

Election Date: June 2, 2026
Registration Deadline: May 19, 2026
Early Voting Starts: May 10, 2026
Early Voting Ends: June 1, 2026

How to Vote

To vote in California's 2026 primary, registered voters can vote by mail (all active voters receive a ballot), return it by mail, drop it off at any voting location or ballot drop box, or vote in person at a vote center during the early voting period or on Election Day. Voters must be registered by May 19, 2026, and while no ID is required to vote if already registered, first-time voters who registered by mail may need to show identification.

Incumbent

Democratic

Elizabeth Warren

U.S. Senator

Biography

Elizabeth Warren is a United States Senator from Massachusetts, serving since 2013. She is a former Harvard Law School professor known for her work on consumer protection and financial regulation, and was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

Incumbent

Democratic

Gary Peters

Senator

Biography

Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan since 2015, former representative focusing on automotive and technology policy.

Incumbent

Democratic

John Hickenlooper

U.S. Senator

Biography

John Hickenlooper is a United States Senator from Colorado, serving since 2021. He previously served as the 42nd Governor of Colorado (2011-2019) and as mayor of Denver (2003-2011).

Democratic

Adam Schiff

United States Senator

Biography

Adam Schiff is the current U.S. Representative for California's 30th congressional district and has served in Congress since 2001. He is running for U.S. Senate to continue his work on national security, government accountability, and protecting democratic institutions.

Campaign Website

Republican

Steve Garvey

United States Senator

Biography

Steve Garvey is a former Major League Baseball player and longtime California businessman who is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican, focusing on economic growth, border security, and supporting veterans and law enforcement.

Campaign Website

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