California's June 2, 2026, primary uses the state's top-two system, sending the two highest vote-getters—regardless of party—to the November general election for the open lieutenant governor seat, as incumbent Eleni Kounalakis is term-limited. Leading Democratic contenders include State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Newsom administration Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, alongside Janelle Kellman and others, while Republicans such as David Fennell also appear on the ballot. Candidates have emphasized higher education affordability, tuition policies, and economic development in a low-name-recognition contest marked by high undecided shares in early polling. Recent endorsements and fundraising have highlighted Ma's profile, though the race remains fluid ahead of vote counting.