Palm Springs, CA
California’s June 2 primary delivered competitive results up and down the ballot, with Coachella Valley voters watching three consequential races still being sorted out as ballot counting continues across the state.
Governor’s race: Still too close to call
With 56% of the votes counted statewide, Republican Steve Hilton holds 28% and Democrat Xavier Becerra 26%, with billionaire Tom Steyer in third place at 20% and Republican Chad Bianco at 11%. The race remains uncalled, and in close contests it could take days or even weeks for a winner to be declared — mail-in ballots postmarked by election day can arrive as late as June 9, and the Secretary of State has until July 10 to certify results.
Matt Mahan and Antonio Villaraigosa dropped out as early results came in on election night, and Katie Porter conceded as more ballots were counted. Hilton, a Trump-endorsed former Fox News host who has vowed to cut income taxes, slash environmental regulations, and boost oil drilling, consolidated support from much of the state’s conservative base.
Becerra’s likely finish in the top two caps a swift ascent after polling so low just three months ago that he wasn’t invited to a candidate debate.
Trump posted on Truth Social congratulating Hilton, writing: “If Californians are smart, which I know they are, they will put Steve into the Governor’s Mansion.” Trump also claimed without evidence that Democrats were attempting to manipulate the count through mail-in ballots — assertions election officials have not substantiated.
Under California’s top-two primary system, Hilton and Becerra appear headed to a November 3 general election showdown, barring a dramatic shift in the remaining ballots. The outcome will have direct implications for the Coachella Valley on issues including housing, water policy, and desert climate initiatives.
Congressional District 48: Palm Springs in a new and competitive seat
Following redistricting under Proposition 50, California’s 48th Congressional District now includes Palm Springs — placing the city in a race that national Democrats have targeted as one of their best opportunities to flip a House seat and potentially shift control of Congress.
Incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa announced in March he would not seek re-election, opening the seat for the first time in years. According to the Associated Press, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond (R) and San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert (D) advanced to the November ballot.
Von Wilpert is a former civil prosecutor focused on the cost of living, ICE enforcement, LGBTQ rights, and reproductive freedom. Desmond is a Navy veteran who has campaigned on housing costs and economic relief for working families. Desmond entered the race with a significant financial advantage, having raised $1.9 million compared to von Wilpert’s $1.26 million heading into primary day.
The November contest between Desmond and von Wilpert is expected to draw heavy outside spending from both parties.
Assembly District 47: Wallis and Namvar advance
Closer to home, incumbent Republican Assemblymember Greg Wallis led the AD-47 primary with approximately 50% of the vote, with Democrat Leila Namvar in second place at around 29.5% and software engineer Jason Byors third at 21%.
District 47 covers Yucaipa, Banning, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Yucca Valley, Desert Hot Springs, and surrounding communities. Wallis and Namvar will face off in November. Namvar is a union advocate and public arts analyst for the city of Indio who made affordability the centerpiece of her campaign. Wallis raised $319,000 since January compared to Namvar’s $131,000.
The rematch sets up a competitive general election in a district that has been closely contested in every cycle since it was redrawn in 2022.
What comes next
All three races head to the November 3 general election. Ballot counting in California continues through June 9 for mail-in ballots, with official certification due by July 10. PS Tribune will continue tracking results as they are finalized.
Sources: Associated Press, California Secretary of State, ABC7, CalMatters, Desert Sun, Desert Trumpet. Results are partial and subject to change.