With the California primary election just days away, candidates for governor and Los Angeles mayor are making last-minute efforts to sway voters. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass is campaigning for reelection, facing challenges from Spencer Pratt, a Republican known from reality TV, and Nithya Raman, a progressive city councilmember. The race remains tight, with a recent poll showing the three candidates separated by only a few percentage points.

Governor’s Race Intensifies

The governor’s race is equally competitive, with former U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra leading the pack. Recent polls indicate Becerra has gained significant support, now backed by 28% of likely voters according to an Emerson College Polling survey. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer are close behind, vying for the second spot in the November runoff.

Hilton, a former FOX News host, is campaigning on reducing regulations and lowering housing and energy costs. He has urged fellow Republican Chad Bianco to drop out of the race to consolidate conservative support. Meanwhile, Steyer, a billionaire and environmental advocate, emphasizes his support for a billionaire tax and criticizes Becerra for accepting corporate donations.

Local Campaign Efforts

Both gubernatorial and mayoral candidates are actively engaging with voters across the state. Becerra, Hilton, Steyer, and Bianco have been making appearances in key areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, and Los Angeles. Mayor Bass has focused her campaign on reducing street homelessness and rebuilding efforts following devastating wildfires. Her opponents, Pratt and Raman, have criticized her handling of these issues, with Pratt leveraging his personal loss in the wildfires as a campaign focal point.

As the primary election approaches, voter turnout remains a critical factor. With all Los Angeles County vote centers open, candidates are urging residents to make their voices heard by casting their ballots before the polls close on Tuesday.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.