Voters across six states cast ballots Tuesday in primary elections that will help determine the shape of the November general election. California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota are holding contests for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House seats and other state offices. The most closely watched races are unfolding in California and Iowa, where open gubernatorial seats and competitive congressional primaries are drawing national attention.

Understanding the Primary Process in the United States

Primary elections allow registered voters within each political party to select their nominees for the general election. In most states, these are closed or semi-closed contests limited to party members. California uses a distinctive top-two primary system in which all candidates appear on a single ballot and the two highest vote-getters advance to November regardless of party affiliation. Iowa conducts separate Democratic and Republican primaries for most offices. These processes help narrow the field before the general election on November 3, 2026.

Primary day also serves as an early indicator of party strength heading into the midterm cycle. With control of Congress and several governorships at stake, Tuesday's results offer clues about voter priorities on issues such as the economy, immigration and state-level policy.

California's Top-Two Primary Draws Broad Field

California voters are selecting nominees in a wide array of races, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, insurance commissioner and numerous U.S. House districts. Because Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited, the gubernatorial contest is wide open. The state's top-two system means the November matchup could feature two Democrats, two Republicans or one of each.

Several new congressional districts created after the 2020 census are also on the ballot. Five newly drawn districts lean Democratic, giving the party an opportunity to expand its delegation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces a challenge from a reality-television personality in a city still recovering from recent wildfires. Early voting began May 30 at vote centers across the state, and same-day registration remains available at county election offices.

Ballots must be returned or postmarked by 8 p.m. on election day. The California Secretary of State oversees the process and provides detailed voter information on its official website.

Iowa Focuses on Senate and Governor Contests

In Iowa, Democratic voters are choosing a nominee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by a Republican. The Republican nominee is effectively known in advance. The gubernatorial race features an unopposed Democratic candidate in state auditor Rob Sand, while Republicans are selecting their nominee from a crowded field that includes U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra and several other contenders.

Iowa also has three competitive U.S. House primaries. The state has shifted toward Republican dominance in recent cycles, but Democrats see the Senate primary and gubernatorial contest as opportunities to rebuild strength in the heartland. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time.

Photo by Bob Chambers on Unsplash

Additional States Holding Primaries

Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota are also conducting primary elections. These contests include state legislative seats, congressional races and, in some cases, gubernatorial or Senate nominations. While less prominent nationally, outcomes here will influence the balance of power in state capitals and contribute to the national picture.

New Jersey voters, for example, are deciding House and local races that could signal suburban trends. South Dakota and New Mexico feature their own mixes of statewide and congressional contests.

Implications for the November General Election

The June 2 primaries set the stage for a November contest that will determine control of the U.S. House and Senate as well as 36 governorships nationwide. In California, the top-two system could produce unusual November matchups. In Iowa, the Senate race is viewed as a potential bellwether for Midwest voting patterns.

Party strategists on both sides are monitoring turnout and candidate quality. High turnout in Democratic primaries in Iowa and competitive House races in California could indicate momentum heading into the fall. Conversely, strong Republican showings in open seats may point to continued advantages in rural and suburban areas.

Voter Turnout and Accessibility

Election officials in all six states have emphasized accessibility. California offers extended early voting and same-day registration. Iowa provides standard polling hours with options for absentee voting. Similar measures exist in the other states to accommodate working voters and those with mobility challenges.

Campaigns have invested heavily in get-out-the-vote efforts, particularly in the battleground districts of California and the Senate contest in Iowa. Local election boards report steady early voting numbers in urban centers.

Key Issues Driving Voter Interest

Campaign messaging across the states has centered on the economy, housing costs, education funding and public safety. In California, wildfire recovery and water management remain prominent. Iowa voters are hearing discussions about agriculture policy, rural broadband and healthcare access.

National issues such as federal spending and trade policy have also surfaced in candidate forums. The primaries offer voters an opportunity to signal preferences on these topics before the general election spotlight intensifies.

Photo by Carl Newton on Unsplash

Looking Ahead to November

With results expected throughout Tuesday evening and into Wednesday, analysts will assess whether the primaries produced surprises or followed expectations. The outcomes will shape candidate strategies and fundraising priorities for the remainder of the cycle.

State election websites, including those maintained by the California Secretary of State and the Iowa Secretary of State, will provide official results and certified tallies in the days following the election.

Broader Context of 2026 Midterm Primaries

Primaries serve as the first major test of party infrastructure and voter enthusiasm in a non-presidential year. Tuesday's elections represent one of the largest single-day primary events of the 2026 cycle. The remaining states will hold their primaries on staggered dates through the summer and early fall.

Observers note that early results can influence national narratives and donor behavior. Competitive races in California and Iowa are particularly likely to attract ongoing media coverage as the general election approaches.