California will have one of the most widespread primary races this year, with the US House of Representatives at stake for the Democratic party. Even though the state is a Democratic stronghold, Joe Biden’s low approval ratings can create a dent in the balance.

This year’s primary elections will go beyond the US Congress, spilling over to the offices of Los Angeles’ mayor, county sheriff, attorney general and the governor.

Also Read: How US primaries can turn the tide for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

Governor’s office

Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, will be on the ballot once again. In a rare instance, Newsom will face the primaries less than a year after overwhelmingly beating a recall effort by Republican opponents.

Mayor’s office

Eric Garcetti, currently the mayor of Los Angeles, will not be contesting the elections due to term limits. This gave way to an open-ended and crowded race for the position. Currently, two candidates seem to be at the top spots: Karen Bass and Rick J. Caruso.

US Senate

One seat of the US Senate from California will be open in the upcoming primary elections. Alex Padilla, the incumbent, will be on the ballot twice and may defend his seat. Other candidates on the ballot are Akinyemi Agbede, Daphne Bradford and James Bradley.

Also Read: Ballots and bullets: What Texas elections looked like after Uvalde school shooting

House of Representatives

California will hold at least seven separate primary elections for the United States House of Representatives this month. According to New York Times, these will be held in the following Congressional districts: 13, 47, 49, 40, 22, 27 and 45.

With seven seats at stake, the race could possibly tilt the balance in the House of Representatives. However, most of these seats are likely to be retained by Democrats.

California will be losing a Congressional district for the first time in the upcoming primaries. The new map, which was drawn due to slow population growth, has crowded the Congressional races more than usual.