California’s election workers are diligently counting millions of uncounted ballots, leaving the outcome of the state’s high-stakes gubernatorial race and several other important contests uncertain. As of Wednesday morning, only 50% of the expected votes have been tallied, and the race to lead the nation’s most populous state remains too close to call.

Under California’s unique jungle primary system, the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. Currently, Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, leads with 27% of the vote. Close behind is Democratic former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at 26%, while billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer holds 20%. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also a Republican, trails in fourth place with 11%, marking the only other candidate to reach double digits.

In Los Angeles, the mayoral race is also in flux. Mayor Karen Bass is projected to advance to a November runoff, but her opponent is yet to be determined. Bass leads with 37% of the vote, while Republican Spencer Pratt holds second place at 29%. Progressive Democratic City Councilmember Nithya Raman remains within reach at 21% with half of the votes counted.

Further north in San Francisco, the race to succeed retiring former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has seen Democratic State Senator Scott Wiener secure a spot in the general election. The battle for the second runoff position is ongoing, with Pelosi-endorsed Connie Chan leading progressive activist Saikat Chakrabarti 29% to 15%.

Meanwhile, primary results have been finalized in other states. In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland secured the Democratic nomination for governor. In Iowa, businessman Zach Lahn defeated Representative Randy Feenstra in the Republican gubernatorial primary, despite a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Democratic State Representative Josh Turek won his party’s nomination for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. In South Dakota, Republican businessman Toby Doeden advanced to a runoff in the gubernatorial race. In New Jersey, Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, clinched the Democratic primary victory in the 7th Congressional District.

Additionally, in a special election in California, Republican State Representative James Gallagher won the 1st Congressional District seat, becoming the newest member of Congress.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.