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The June 2 California primary will set the field for November 2026, determining who advances from local county seats to high‑profile statewide offices. For voters in San Luis Obispo County and neighboring districts, the ballot mixes uncontested local roles, competitive congressional contests and several statewide races that could reshape Sacramento’s leadership.
Local contests that matter close to home
At the county level, a handful of races are essentially decided at the filing deadline, while others could produce competitive showdowns in the fall. These offices manage everyday services from property valuation to school oversight.
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- Board of Supervisors, 2nd District: Two candidates—one Democrat and one independent—are competing for the seat that covers parts of San Luis Obispo County, including Los Osos and Morro Bay. The board sets county policy and budgets.
- County Superintendent of Schools: Joe Koski is the only candidate on the ballot for the county’s top K–12 administrative post.
- County Assessor: The incumbent is running unopposed to continue overseeing property assessments across the county.
- County Clerk‑Recorder: Three nonpartisan contenders, including incumbent Elaina Cano, are vying to run elections and maintain public records.
- Auditor‑Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector/Public Administrator: The current officeholder is the sole candidate for this combined fiscal and probate role.
State legislative seats covering San Luis Obispo
The state Assembly lines that touch the county are on the ballot, with partisan mixes that reflect the area’s split geography.
The 30th Assembly District, which spans most of San Luis Obispo County and reaches into parts of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, lists three challengers—two Democrats and one Republican—with incumbent Dawn Addis seeking another term.
The 37th Assembly District, covering southern parts of San Luis Obispo County and areas of Santa Barbara County, has a two‑person race: one Democrat and one Republican contesting the seat.
U.S. House races: a crowded field in one district
Both congressional districts that include slices of San Luis Obispo County are on the primary ballot, with multi‑candidate lineups that could force rematches or fresh faces in November.
- 19th Congressional District: Seven candidates are running—two Republicans, two Democrats and three third‑party candidates—for the seat representing northern parts of the county and neighboring coastal and inland communities.
- 24th Congressional District: Four contenders—three Democrats and one Republican—seek the seat that covers most of San Luis Obispo County plus Santa Barbara County and portions of Ventura County. Incumbent Salud Carbajal is running for a sixth term.
Statewide offices: high turnout drivers
Several high‑visibility statewide positions are on the primary ballot, including the governor’s race, which typically draws the most attention and spending. Under California’s top‑two system, the two highest vote‑getters—regardless of party—advance to the general election in November 2026.
- Governor: Eight candidates are listed (six Democrats and two Republicans) to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom; the primary will narrow the field to two finalists for November.
- Lieutenant Governor: Five candidates are running, with the office playing a largely ceremonial role but serving as the governor’s constitutional backup.
- Secretary of State: This race features one Democrat and one Republican; the office oversees state elections and manages official records.
- Attorney General: Three candidates—representing Republican, Democratic and Green Party lines—are competing to lead the state’s legal efforts.
- State Treasurer: Six candidates (a mix of Republicans, Democrats and one Green Party member) are seeking to manage California’s fiscal affairs.
- State Superintendent of Public Instruction: A nonpartisan field of eight candidates is vying to direct K–12 policy and the state’s education budget.
- Insurance Commissioner: Ten candidates (including Republicans, Democrats and a Peace and Freedom Party contender) are competing to regulate the insurance industry.
- Board of Equalization, 2nd District: Six candidates are running to oversee aspects of property tax administration.
What voters see now will influence who governs at multiple levels for years to come. Local officials decide county services and school administration, while the outcome of statewide contests affects budget priorities, legal strategy and oversight of elections. Because California uses the top‑two primary system, some districts could send two candidates from the same party to the November ballot—an outcome that alters campaign dynamics and voter choices.
Quick snapshot
- Primary date: June 2 — winners (top two) advance to the November 2026 general election.
- Local races include several uncontested offices alongside contested supervisor and clerk‑recorder contests.
- Congressional and statewide contests feature multi‑candidate fields that will shape who represents the region and state.
