The final 2? An anxious California waits to see who advances in drama-filled governor's race

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With polls closed throughout California, the vote tally begins in the chaotic primary election for governor, a volatile contest to determine which two candidates will square off in November for the chance to replace Gov.Gavin Newsom as leader of the nation’s most populous state and the world’s fourth-largest economy.The final stretch of the election became a three-way race among veteran Democratic politician Xavier Becerra, Republican commentator Steve Hilton and billionaire Democratic climate activist Tom Steyer.

Only two will advance to the general election.Other candidates in the race included Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Democrats including former Rep.

Katie Porter, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Supt.of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.The race started slow but ended with a flourish, including the demise of a scandal-plagued Democratic favorite, the anointing of a Republican by President Trump and Becerra’s unexpected rise from the depths of the crowded field of candidates.

Unlike gubernatorial elections in the last quarter century, this year’s race lacked a clear crowd-pleasing front-runner able to win over voters like Hollywood movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger or Jerry Brown, a sage of the California electorate and the scion of a storied political family.But it unfolded at a crucial time as the state’s residents are overwhelmed by high housing costs, steep gas prices and overall unaffordability that threatens the “California dream” that once drew millions of people to the state.Many voters appeared exhausted by Trump’s policies that disproportionately affected California, such as immigration raids; last year’s devastating Southland wildfires; and the costly special election in the fall to redraw the state’s congressional districts.

They did not tune in to the gubernatorial c...