Primary Election Day
Polls Open for Primary Election Day Across the US as Voters Cast Ballots
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Voters across the United States headed to the polls on June 2, 2026, for a packed primary election day covering races in California, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, Montana, and South Dakota. The contests will help shape which party controls Congress during the final two years of the Trump administration, according to AP News.
California's open governor's race, Iowa's Senate battle for Joni Ernst's retiring seat, and a mystery surrounding a missing New Jersey congressman all dominated the day. Polls in California closed at 11:00 p.m. EDT, ending the last major voting window of the night.
California Governor's Race Turns on Cost of Living
California's governor's race drew the most national attention. Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra held a 23% to 20% polling lead over Republican Steve Hilton heading into election day, according to PPIC. Billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent $200 million on his own campaign, called the race a three-way choice between himself, Becerra, and Hilton.
The state uses a "jungle primary" — a system where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, no matter their party. Democratic leaders had feared a split Democratic vote could let two Republicans advance, but that risk faded as Becerra built his lead. President Trump backed Hilton on Truth Social, writing: "He will work with me and the Federal Government... we will MAKE CALIFORNIA GREAT AGAIN!" according to WRAL.
Iowa Democrats Fight Over Party Establishment Money
In Iowa, Democrats competed for the chance to challenge for Ernst's Senate seat. State lawmakers Josh Turek and Zach Wahls faced off in a heated primary. Wahls attacked Turek over $6 million in super PAC money tied to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, framing Turek as the "establishment" pick, according to The Iowa Mercury.
Republicans see Iowa as a pickup opportunity after Ernst's retirement. Democrats see it as a must-win to have any shot at retaking the Senate. Analyst Joe Garofali said the broader primary season reflects the Democratic Party "grappling with how to win back voters" after 2024 losses, according to Ballotpedia.
New Jersey Congressman Missing for 88 Days and Still on the Ballot
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey's 7th district had not been seen in public since March 5, 2026 — a stretch of 88 days. He missed more than 100 House floor votes during that time, according to Forbes. His office said only that he was "addressing a personal health matter" and would return to a "full regular schedule" soon.
Despite the absence, Kean remained on the primary ballot and even introduced legislation on preeclampsia as recently as last week, according to NOTUS. Republican colleague Rep. Jeff Van Drew called it "complete radio silence." Democratic challengers framed the disappearance as a transparency problem in a competitive district, according to NJ Spotlight News.
Low Turnout and a $1.8 Billion Fund Scrapped on Election Night
Voter turnout raised concerns across the board. In North Carolina's late-closing municipal primaries, turnout hit just 13.78%, according to WFMY. The low numbers fit a pattern of weak primary participation seen in recent election cycles.
On election night, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate Trump allies would be scrapped, according to AP News. The announcement added a sharp political note to an already busy night.
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