Today, voters in six states—California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota—head to the polls for primary elections. These primaries will determine candidates for the U.S. House, Senate, and gubernatorial races. Among the most watched contests are the gubernatorial and mayoral races in California, where Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt have gained traction in the traditionally Democratic state.

In California, the governor's race is drawing national attention as former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton emerges as the Republican frontrunner, thanks in part to an endorsement from President Donald Trump. The race is a three-way battle with former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Democrat Tom Steyer, who has invested heavily in his campaign. The top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the general election.

In the Los Angeles mayoral race, current Mayor Karen Bass faces challenges from City Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV star Spencer Pratt. With two Democrats splitting the vote, Pratt, the Republican candidate, has a chance to advance in this nonpartisan election.

In Iowa, Democrats are vying to fill the seat of retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. State Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls are competing for the Democratic nomination, with Turek gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson is favored to win her party's nomination with Trump's backing.

Montana's Senate race sees former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme running for the seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Steve Daines. Former state Rep. Reilly Neill leads the Democratic contenders, while former University of Montana president Seth Bodnar runs as an independent.

In New Jersey, the race to succeed retiring Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman in District 12 features 13 Democratic candidates, with plastic surgeon Adam Hamawy gaining attention due to his controversial ties.

In South Dakota, the gubernatorial primary is tightly contested among Governor Larry Rhoden, Rep. Dusty Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden. If no candidate wins 35% of the vote, a runoff will be held on July 28.

These primaries set the stage for the November general elections, where control of Congress and key state offices will be at stake.

Scott Ryfun