Four surprises in California primary results as voters reject status quo

California voters rejected the status quo in Tuesday’s primary, sending Republican Steve Hilton to the top of the leaderboard in the race for governor, and likely forcing LA Mayor Karen Bass into a runoff against challenger Spencer Pratt.As results stand, the Golden State will have the general election it deserves: a clear contest between bold, fresh new ideas on the one hand, and an entrenched political establishment on the other.The winds of change blew through downticket races as well.In the race for schools superintendent, for example, conservative Sonja Shaw, who led the battle for parental rights, has surged into the lead.Here are several other key takeaways.Voters in California’s three major cities appear to have rejected local tax increases — unexpectedly.In San Diego, early results showed voters rejecting Measure A, 58%-42%, which would apply a Zohran Mamdani-style tax to vacant second homes.In San Francisco, voters appeared to be rejecting Measure D, 55% to 45%, which would tax “overpaid CEOs.”And in LA County, early returns suggested that voters were rejecting Measure ER, 53% to 47%, which would raise sales taxes 0.5%, supposedly to fund health care expenses.It’s not a full-on tax revolt.

San Francisco voters also soundly rejected Measure C, 64% to 36%, which would have decreased some business taxes (while increasing others).But voters are sending a signal: enough is enough.That, in turn, suggests that the proposed “billionaire tax,” which will appear on the November ballot, could face an uphill battle, even if early polls show it with some support.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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