California’s political landscape entered its final hours of campaigning Monday as candidates for governor and mayor made last-minute appeals to voters ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.
With polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m., campaigns across the state spent the day trying to energize supporters, persuade undecided voters, and sharpen contrasts with their opponents in races that could reshape California politics.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass spent the final full day before the election meeting voters across the city. Her schedule included stops at Pann’s Restaurant, a café in San Pedro, and Harold & Belle’s in South Los Angeles, where she emphasized her administration’s efforts to tackle affordability concerns, public safety, and homelessness.
“Visited Harold & Belle’s for a great meal and to connect with folks in South LA,” Bass wrote on X. “We’re building a safer and more affordable city for all.”
Bass’ challenger, City Councilmember Nithya Raman, continued to frame her campaign as a call for greater accountability and more aggressive action at City Hall. Speaking outside El Mercadito in East Los Angeles, Raman acknowledged widespread frustration among residents and suggested that sentiment has fueled multiple campaigns in the race.
“You know, I think Spencer Pratt is tapping into very real frustrations, that also prompted me to get into this race,” Raman told reporters. “I think there is a real challenge that Angelenos are facing right now. They are looking at the direction of the city and feeling like it is moving in the wrong direction.”
While crediting Bass with bringing some changes to city government, Raman argued that voters want to see more tangible results.
“I want people to feel a palpable change, and to trust that every dollar is being spent with accountability,” she said.
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt maintained a lower public profile during the campaign’s closing hours. According to his campaign team, Pratt spent the day holding smaller private meetings with voters. His campaign has focused heavily on rebuilding after the Palisades Fire while also emphasizing crime reduction and addressing homelessness.
The governor’s race remained equally competitive.
Former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra held a campaign event at Planned Parenthood in Sacramento, expressing confidence that his campaign remained in a strong position despite a late surge from billionaire rival Tom Steyer.
“When you’ve got millions of dollars as a billionaire, you can put up pretty much any commercial you want,” Becerra said. “We’re going to rely on our momentum, we’ve got the momentum — someone’s got to snatch it from us, and we’re going to cross the finish line.”
Steyer spent the day at UCLA focusing on youth turnout, a key part of his campaign strategy. The billionaire candidate described young voters as central to California’s future and urged them to participate in the election.
“Young people know that their future is at stake, and they know we need a true fighter in the governor’s office to make that change happen,” Steyer wrote on social media.
Republican candidate Steve Hilton continued making the case that he represents the strongest alternative to Democratic leadership. After campaigning in Fresno and traveling to Los Angeles, the former Fox News host urged Republican voters to unite behind his candidacy.
“I’m the only change candidate who’s got a shot at getting in the top two in tomorrow’s primary election,” Hilton said.
He also warned Republican voters against splitting their support among multiple candidates, arguing that doing so would improve Democratic candidates’ chances of advancing.
California’s top-two primary system places all candidates on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election.
