As California’s primary election on June 2 approaches, here is a brief overview of everything voters will see on this year’s primary ballots. The top two candidates for these positions will proceed forward to the general election, held in November 2026.
Local
Board of Supervisors, 2nd district:
The Board of Supervisors work is centered around public service and governs a county. The five-member board creates policies for the county they represent.
Two candidates — one Democrat and one non-party affiliated candidate — are running for the position. The 2nd district includes parts of San Luis Obispo, along with Los Osos and Morro Bay.
County superintendent of schools:
The county superintendent of schools oversees the management of public school districts.
Only one candidate — the current superintendent of San Luis Obispo County — is running for the position.
County assessor
The county assessor values property in San Luis Obispo County.
Only one candidate — the current position holder — is running for the position.
County clerk recorder
The county clerk record is responsible for running county elections and maintaining public records.
Three candidates — all non-party affiliated — are running for the position. One candidate, Elaina Cano, is seeking reelection.
Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator
The auditor-controller-treasurer-tax collector-public administrator assesses and handles the estates of deceased residents in San Luis Obispo County.
Only one candidate, the current position holder, is running for the position.
California legislature
READ MORE: What does the state assembly do?
30th assembly district:
California assembly members represent their constituents in the California Assembly. The 30th assembly district represents most of San Luis Obispo County, along with parts of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Three candidates — one Republican and two Democrats — are running for the position. One of the candidates, Dawn Addis, is seeking reelection.
37th assembly district
California assembly members represent their constituents in the California Assembly. The 37th assembly district represents parts of southern San Luis Obispo County, along with portions of Santa Barbara County.
Two candidates — one Republican and one Democrat — are running for the position.
U.S. Congress
House of Representatives, 19th district:
The U.S. representative represents its constituents in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 19th district represents northern San Luis Obispo County, along with parts of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Jose Counties.
Seven candidates — two Republicans, two Democrats and three third-party members — are running for the position.
House of Representative, 24th district:
The U.S. representative represents its constituents in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 24th district represents most of San Luis Obispo County, along with all of Santa Barbara County and portions of Ventura County.
Four candidates — one Republican and three Democrats — are running for the position. One of the candidates, Salud Carbajal, is seeking reelection for a sixth term.
Statewide
Governor
The governor oversees state organizations, plans state budgeting, and reviews bills passed by California lawmakers. It is the executive position for a state.
Eight candidates, two republicans and six democrats are in the running to replace the current leader, Gov. Gavin Newsom. Two will move forward to the November 2026 election.
Lieutenant governor
The lieutenant governor’s position is largely ceremonial. They act as a backup if the governor can no longer serve or steps down from their position.
Five candidates, zero republicans and three democrats are running for this position.
Secretary of state
The secretary of state is responsible for overlooking all federal and state elections. They also hold state archives and the data for lobbying.
Two candidates — one Republican and one Democrat — are running for this position.
Attorney general
The attorney general takes on high-profile legal cases on both a state and federal levels. They represent the state of California in court.
Three candidates — one Republican, one Democrat and one Green Party member are running for this position.
State treasurer
The state treasurer oversees California’s finances, specifically taxpayer money.
Six candidates — two Republicans, three Democrats and one green party member — are running for this position.
State superintendent of public instruction
The state superintendent of public instruction is a nonpartisan position and guides California school districts’ budgets and curriculum decisions.
Eight candidates are running with no party affiliation.
Insurance commissioner
The insurance commissioner is responsible for regulating California’s insurance industry.
Ten candidates — five Republicans, four Democrats and one Peace and Freedom Party member — are running for the position.
Board of Equalization, 2nd district
The Board of Equalization oversees property taxes. Six candidates — four Republicans and two Democrats, are running for the position.