Karen Bass to face runoff election amid tough challenge from Spencer Pratt

As votes were still being counted in California, Steve Hilton, the GOP gubernatorial candidate who is likely to advance to the general election, spoke exclusively with Fox News Digital after his primary night speech.

“It’s incredibly important, I think, that we have an option for change in California because everyone can see we’re going in the wrong direction,” Hilton said. “That’s why it meant so much that, it really does look like as if we’re in that in that top two so we can offer Californians a new direction in November.”

“Now it looks as if we really can say … change is coming to California,” he continued. “That is now a real possibility.”

Hilton and Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer were leading in early returns after polls closed. Only two will advance to the general election, however, and The Associated Press has not yet called the primary for any candidate.

When asked how he’d win in a state that has leaned Democrat for over a decade, Hilton argued that he is the only candidate who is offering real “positive, practical” change for Californians.

“Honest, simple truths. Everything is too expensive in California; we’re going to cut people’s costs,” Hilton said, emphasizing a proposed cap on vehicle registration and ending the state’s $800 small business tax.

Reporting by Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser.

Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert advanced Tuesday from California’s 48th Congressional District top-two primary, securing spots in the general election to replace retiring Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

Desmond, a San Diego County Supervisor and former mayor of San Marcos, was endorsed by  Issa after the congressman announced his retirement in March, and President Donald Trump. Von Wilpert, a San Diego City Council member, emerged as the leading Democrat in the closely watched race.

Desmond has campaigned on public safety, border security and support for veterans, while Von Wilpert has emphasized housing affordability, reproductive rights and environmental protection.

The race unfolded under new district lines redrawn under Proposition 50, a redistricting measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and approved as part of Democrats' effort to gain House seats in response to Trump-backed redistricting in Texas.

Desmond and von Wilpert will face off in November.

California State Sen. Scott Wiener and member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Connie Chan advanced Tuesday from the crowded primary for California’s 11th Congressional District, setting up a November showdown for the seat long held by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The race has become a closely watched battle between establishment Democratic leadership and the party’s insurgent progressive wing. Pelosi’s retirement opened the San Francisco-based seat for the first time in decades following her long reign.

Wiener was an advocate for transgender and gay rights and worked to push bill on housing affordability and transit system expansion. Before his time in the state Senate, he served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and as a Deputy City Attorney.

Pelosi-backed Chan campaigned on affordability, working families, labor rights, and opposition to outsized corporate influence in local and national politics.

Wiener and Chan will now face off in November’s midterm election.

Republican candidate for governor in California Steve Hilton appeared to finish on top in the state's open primary, telling Fox News Digital that his campaign has been about giving voters "an option for change" in the deep-blue state.

"Honest, simple truths," Hilton said when Fox News Digital spoke to him Tuesday evening, with around 51% of the votes counted and Hilton in front of the crowded field. "All the simple things. That's what it's all been about. Traveling the state, working incredibly hard, meeting people, and learning what needs to change and offering a simple, positive, practical plan. That's all it is."

Hilton called the results Tuesday night "encouraging" and added that, with his success on primary night Tuesday, it cements that change coming to California "is now a real possibility."

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report from Los Angeles.

California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton gave a nod to the last member of the GOP to lead Sacramento, whom he noted was also an immigrant with an accent like himself.

Hilton, a former aide to then-British Prime Minister David Cameron, is seeking to make it through the Golden State’s jungle primary system in which the top two vote-getters of any party advance to the general election.

Thus far early Wednesday, Hilton, Biden cabinet official Xavier Becerra and left-wing billionaire Tom Steyer were the main names competing for the two spots.

Hilton told the crowd at his Huntington Beach victory party that “change is coming to California” and that he looks up to Schwarzenegger’s own unique political rise in the deep blue state.

“It looks very much as if Californians really will have the chance to vote for change in November and take our state in a new direction --- a fresh start for our state, which is long overdue,” Hilton said.

“As someone who is a new American citizen, so proud: so proud to be an American, so proud to be a Californian. What an incredible honor.”

He noted that more than one million people had thus far been recorded voting for him.

“And I know that some of you may be watching and saying, who is this guy with a funny accent who thinks he can be governor of California?”

“Well, you know, there was actually an immigrant who was governor of California not that long ago [and] I remember when I became an American citizen, that certain governor you may remember, he said, congratulations.”

“He said ‘Steve ,you got the wrong jacket’,” Hilton went on, partially mimicking Schwarzenegger’s signature Austrian staccato.

Hilton said he pledged to Schwarzenegger that he would one day get a jacket that the actor would want him to --- gesturing to his suit’s inseam.

On one side was an inseam of an American flag, while the other flank of his jacket had a California state flag interwoven into it.

“And here it is,” he said. “I am a proud American. There’s the jacket – and I am a very proud Californian.”

“Arnold --- that was for you.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair and Congressman from California's 33rd Congressional District, Rep. Pete Aguilar, who opposed recent efforts to impeach President Donald Trump by his fellow democrat colleagues, cruised to victory during his primary race for reelection Tuesday.

Aguilar's closest competitor was roughly 20,000 votes behind, according to the Associated Press' elections tracker.

Shortly after Trump took office Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced seven articles of impeachment against the president. The articles alleged wrongdoing by Trump including "Obstruction of Justice and Abuse of Executive Power," "Usurpation of Appropriations Power," "Abuse of Trade Powers and International Aggression," "Violation of First Amendment Rights," "Creation of an Unlawful Office," "Bribery and Corruption," and "Tyrannical Overreach." 

Several Democrats, including Aguilar, criticized Thanedar's impeachment attempts.

"I have said before from this podium, this is not the right approach we should be taking," Aguilar, D-Calif., said at a press conference where top House Democrats indicated they would join Republicans in blocking a House-wide vote on impeaching Trump. "I'll join members of the leadership team in voting to table that motion."

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., secured her party’s nomination to represent New Mexico's 1st Congressional District for a fourth time. A member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Stansbury ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. She has represented the district since 2021.

New Mexico's 1st Congressional District is made up primarily of urban and suburban areas centered in Albuquerque. As the incumbent in a Democratic-leaning district, Stansbury is favored to defeat Republican challenger Didi Okpareke, a conservative medical business owner.

She has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the National Education Association, the nation's largest abortion provider and largest teachers union, respectively.

In Congress, Stansbury has been a staunch opponent of President Donald Trump. She drew national attention at last year's joint address to Congress when she held up a sign reading, “This is not normal,” as Trump walked by.

Didi Okpareke, a conservative pharmacist and business owner, won the GOP nomination for New Mexico Congressional District 1. The child of Nigerian immigrants, Okpareke is a first-generation Nigerian American who has lived in New Mexico since the 1990s.

As a small business owner and founder of Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy, Okpareke has focused her campaign message on economic growth, opportunity, and cutting waste and abuse. She was the sole Republican to qualify for the race in the district, which is primarily urban and suburban and centered around Albuquerque. The district leans heavily Democratic.

Okpareke will challenge three-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who has held the seat since 2021. So far, Okpareke has not garnered any major endorsements.

Meanwhile, Stansbury has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the National Education Association, the nation's largest abortion provider advocacy organization and largest teachers union, respectively.

Republican Rep. Zach Nunn won Tuesday's GOP primary in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, securing renomination as he prepares for another competitive general election fight in one of the nation's top House battlegrounds.

Nunn, a former state senator and Air Force veteran, ran unopposed in his reelection primary. Nunn has represented the Des Moines-area district since 2023, after unseating Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne in 2022 and holding the seat through a closely watched reelection campaign in 2024. His previous races have attracted millions of dollars in outside spending, ensuring the district remains a key battleground in the fight for House control.

Attention now turns to the general election, where Nunn is set to face Democratic State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. National Democrats view the district as one of their top pickup opportunities, while Republicans see Nunn as a proven candidate capable of holding a seat in a district Trump carried by 4.5 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.

With control of the House likely to be decided by a handful of competitive districts, Iowa's 3rd Congressional District is expected to follow the pattern of past races and attract significant outside spending and national attention in the months ahead.

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull won New Mexico's Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday, securing the GOP nomination in the open-seat race.

Hull, widely viewed as a leading contender entering Election Day, campaigned on public safety, government experience and economic growth. He defeated businessman Doug Turner and former Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez.

Throughout the race, Hull argued New Mexico needs tougher approaches to violent crime, fentanyl trafficking and border security while criticizing Democratic leadership in Santa Fe.

Hull will now face former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in the general election as Republicans attempt to flip the governor’s office for the first time since 2019.

The New Mexico gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to become a closely watched political contest this year.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., heaped praise on Dr. Adam Hamawy after he won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday despite controversies surrounding his association with an Islamic cleric who was convicted on terrorism charges.

“Congratulations to Dr. Adam Hamawy on his landslide victory tonight in the New Jersey 12th district Democratic primary,” the Vermont senator wrote Tuesday night. “Dr. Hamawy will be a strong progressive voice in the House and, as a physician, he understands our healthcare system is broken and we need Medicare for All.”

Hamawy took a road trip with Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was convicted on terrorism and seditious conspiracy charges in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, to attend a conference where the cleric discussed “conquering the land of the infidels.” Hamawy served as a defense witness at Abdel-Rahman’s trial and even translated documents for him after the bombings.

Supporters of Hamawy point toward his service in the United States Army as a combat surgeon and his work as a first-responder following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to counter accusations that he is insufficiently patriotic.

Comedian Adam Carolla showed up to Spencer Pratt's election night watch party Tuesday evening, alongside radio host Billy Bush, who was infamously the other person Donald Trump was caught making sexually crude comments about women to in a leaked 2016 "access Hollywood" audio tape.

"Spencer Pratt!" Carolla said with a thumbs up when asked if he had any predictions for the night.

"We're here for change [unintelligible], change!" Bush added when asked for his thoughts by members of the media standing outside the election night event at Don Antonio's Cantina in Los Angeles.

Former Iowa state Rep. Joe Mitchell was the youngest-ever person elected to the legislature in Des Moines and now he is seeking a seat in Congress as one of the few Gen Z candidates running nationwide.

Mitchell, R-Clear Lake, is now seeking the seat vacated by Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, who is competing for the open governorship in Tuesday’s contests.

He first ran for office at 20 years old, winning a seat in the legislature at 21, and now seeks to represent a vast district in northeastern Iowa; running from Mason City to Dubuque and southward into Grinnell.

Mitchell recently served as a regional director for the Trump Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as a top post at the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Despite his young age, Mitchell became aligned with political powerhouses from House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-Allison, --- grandson of Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa --- to President Donald Trump himself.

He also received an endorsement from political activist Charlie Kirk before the TPUSA founder was murdered in Utah.

For most recent elections there have been a select few candidates from the newest generation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was one when she was first elected – after she shocked the political establishment by unseating Rep. Joe Crowley – a longtime member of House Democratic leadership.

Others in recent years have included Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Brandon Gill, R-Texas, and Maxwell Frost, D-Fla.

Polls have closed in California as a series of high-profile primaries in the Golden State remain up in the air.

Among others, a heated Mayoral L.A. race, a gubernatorial race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom and several notable House races will finalize the candidates slated to run in the state’s general election come November.

In L.A., independent challenger Spencer Pratt has gained momentum in recent months in his challenge to unseat Mayor Karen Bass — a one-term incumbent fending off accusations of neglecting the city’s emergency response, infrastructure and homeless population.

In the Gubernatorial race, a packed roster of Democratic candidates has thrown their hat in the ring to replace Newsom, including former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, a billionaire investor. It’s unclear if Republican candidates Steve Hilton, a media personality, or Chad Bianco, a county sheriff, will be shut out of the top two candidates who will advance to the general election.

In the past, California races have taken extended periods to decide, sometimes days after polls have closed.

California will hold its general primaries on Nov. 3. 

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt arrived Tuesday evening at Don Antonio's, a longtime West Los Angeles Mexican restaurant, where supporters gathered for his election watch party.

Asked by reporters how he was feeling as results began to come in, Pratt replied: "Excellent."

Earlier in the day, Pratt met with locals at Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles, one of the city's most iconic restaurants, as voters headed to the polls in the primary election.

Pratt first rose to fame alongside his wife, Heidi Montag, on MTV's reality series The Hills.

This year, he launched an unconventional campaign for Los Angeles mayor, running as an independent in the city's open primary after registering as a Republican.

He entered the race after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the devastating 2025 wildfire and has since become a vocal critic of Mayor Karen Bass and city leadership.

His campaign has focused on public safety, homelessness, wildfire preparedness and government accountability.

Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report from Los Angeles.

Brody Jenner arrived at Spencer Pratt's election night watch party at Don Antonio's Cantina in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, but did not give much in the way of how he was feeling about the night when asked.

"We'll see," Jenner shot back when asked if he had any predictions about the night, as the reality television personality arrived.

Jenner is known for his appearances on reality shows like MTV’s The Hills and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. He is is the son of actress and songwriter Linda Thompson and Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner, and the half-brother of Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek announced a major political milestone Tuesday, declaring victory in his bid to become the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate.

In a social media post celebrating the achievement, Turek highlighted his background as one of the first permanently disabled members of the Iowa House of Representatives.

“My name is Josh Turek,” he wrote. “I am a 2-time gold medalist, 4-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball, one of the first permanently disabled members of the Iowa House, and I am honored to be Iowa's Democratic nominee for United States Senate.”

Turek will face Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who won the GOP nomination and has received endorsements from former President Donald Trump and other prominent Republican leaders.

Republicans have held the Senate seat for years, but Democrats believe the open-seat election presents an opportunity to compete in a state that has leaned Republican in recent federal elections.

Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ and a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, expressed a strong sense of dissatisfaction with the slate of mayoral candidates running to lead the city.

“​​I feel utterly defeated,” Levin said in a video post made Tuesday night. “If this is the best we can do, man, I just gotta say, this is not the high watermark of Los Angeles or California.”

Levin hit incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for, in his view, being a leader “who many people believe has failed in key areas,” such as countering the fires that consumed swathes of Southern California in January 2025 and solving homelessness.

Of Councilwoman Nithya Raman, Levin characterized her as a “Democrat socialist,” saying that “personally, I don't think that's going to solve LA's problems.”

The TMZ founder appeared to take a somewhat softer, though still critical, tone when evaluating Spencer Pratt.

“Spencer Pratt talks a good game. And in terms of debates, he wins,” Levin stated. “You can make all of these platitude statements and that doesn't mean you have a solution. That just means you feel the way everybody else feels.”

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says growing support for his campaign and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt reflects voter frustration with what he described as years of Democratic dominance in California politics ahead of Tuesday’s election.

Hilton, a Republican, argued that voters are increasingly looking for political outsiders. Speaking on "Fox News @ Night," Hilton said Californians are "sick" of the state's "one-party rule" and suggested that both his campaign and Pratt’s are benefiting from a desire for change.

"The energy behind Spencer here in L.A., the energy behind our campaign up and down the state," Hilton said. "The one thing we have in common, we are outsiders. We've never run for office before."

Hilton said both campaigns are resonating because they are focused on challenging a political system that many voters believe is failing to address key issues. "We are both there to shake up a system that is obviously not working," he added.

Pratt, an independent candidate in Tuesday’s Los Angeles mayoral election, has gained attention for his criticism of Mayor Karen Bass and his focus on homelessness, crime and government accountability. His campaign has also drawn support from voters frustrated with city leadership following last year’s devastating wildfires.

Recent polling has shown Hilton among the leading candidates in the governor’s race alongside Democrat Xavier Becerra. Under California’s primary system, the top two finishers on Tuesday will advance to the general election in November.

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, positioning herself for a statewide general election campaign this November.

Toulouse Oliver, a longtime election administrator and voting rights advocate, emerged as the Democratic nominee after a competitive primary race. Her victory marks another milestone in a political career that has included serving as Bernalillo County clerk before being elected New Mexico secretary of state in 2016.

Throughout her campaign, Toulouse Oliver emphasized protecting democracy, expanding voter access and defending Santa Fe against what she described as growing threats to democratic institutions. She pointed to her years of experience administering elections, including during a time of intense scrutiny and debate over the electoral process.

Her win comes as New Mexico Democrats seek to maintain their dominance in statewide offices. The race for lieutenant governor unfolds alongside an open gubernatorial contest, as term limits prevent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham from running for reelection.

As the Democratic nominee, Toulouse Oliver will now focus on the November election, where voters will determine who succeeds current Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales.

Her campaign is expected to continue highlighting election integrity, government transparency, and policies aimed at supporting working families across the state.

Voting polls in Montana have closed, leaving just one state, California, remaining in the primary elections taking place across the country today.

Montana voters are voting on nominees in a rare open Senate race after Sen. Steve Daines, R-N.F., decided not to seek reelection, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched general-election contest.

Among the frontrunners is Republican Kurt Alme, a former U.S. Attorney for Montana who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, former Montana Rep. Reilly Neill is favored to win his party’s nomination for U.S. Senate.

In solid red Montana Congressional District 2, Republican Rep. Troy Downing is running unopposed in his primary race. There are several Democrats vying to challenge him for the seat this November.

The polls have now closed in Montana, New Jersey, Iowa, New Mexico, South Dakota, five of six states coast-to-coast holding primary elections on Tuesday that will impact November's midterms, when the GOP's slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities will be up for grabs.

The leaders of Republican and Democratic campaign groups wasted no time in giving their reactions to the newly minted Democratic Senate nominee in Iowa.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman, hailed Josh Turek’s victory on Tuesday evening.

“Josh Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who has represented his country on the world stage and has built a reputation in the legislature for working across the aisle to get things done for Iowans,” Gillibrand said.

“His nomination tonight puts the Iowa Senate seat firmly in play, and in November, Iowans will reject Ashley Hinson’s self-serving politics and send Josh Turek to the U.S. Senate,” she added.

In contrast, strategists with the National Republican Senatorial Committee cast doubt on his odds to flip a Senate seat in a historically Republican-leaning state.

“Chuck Schumer spent $10 million to coronate Josh Turek as his rubber stamp for Democrats' radical tax-and-spend agenda. In November, Iowans will reject him and elect Ashley Hinson to keep fighting for Iowa families, farmers, and workers,” NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said.

Progressive Sen. Ben Luján, D-N.M., a staunch opponent of President Donald Trump, has secured the Democratic Senate nomination once again, beating back a self-described democratic socialist, Matt Dodson.

Dodson, an Air Force veteran and democratic socialist, challenged Luján from the left, framing himself as the anti-establishment candidate.

The son of a longtime major player in New Mexico politics, Luján is seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate after winning election in 2020 to succeed retiring Sen. Tom Udall. Before being elected to the Senate, Luján served six terms in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021.

Meanwhile, in the Republican primary, Larry Marker is running as a certified write-in candidate. He needs to receive at least 2,351 votes to advance to the general election.

Luján is heavily favored to win reelection this November in a race that is considered solid Democratic. He has been endorsed by the likes of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ BOLD PAC.

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds secured the Republican nomination for his seat representing South Dakota, positioning himself for a bid for a third term. 

Rounds, a former South Dakota governor, defeated challenger Justin McNeal in the GOP primary.

His win comes as Republicans seek to maintain their strength in South Dakota, a state that has consistently backed Republican candidates in recent federal elections. The last Democrat to represent South Dakota in the U.S. Senate was Tim Johnson, who served from 1997 to 2015. He left office when he retired at the end of his third term, and Republican Mike Rounds succeeded him in January 2015.

During his time in the Senate, Rounds has focused on issues such as agriculture, national defense and rural economic development.

He previously served as South Dakota's governor from 2003 to 2011 before winning election to the Senate.

Rounds now advances to the November general election, where he is expected to face Democratic nominee Julian Beaudion and independent candidate Brian Bengs.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has won the Democratic nomination for governor of New Mexico, putting her one step closer to becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history.

A citizen of Laguna Pueblo, Haaland defeated Albuquerque District Attorney Sam Bregman, who centered his campaign on addressing violent crime. Throughout her campaign, Haaland focused on lowering costs for working families while emphasizing her deep roots in New Mexico and experience in Washington.

As Interior secretary under former President Joe Biden, she led efforts to conserve public lands and launched the first federal investigation into the treatment of Native American children in government-run boarding schools.

She previously made history in 2018 as one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress.

The November election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to be one of New Mexico's most closely watched political contests this year.

Democrats have held every statewide elected office in New Mexico since 2017, giving Haaland a strong foundation heading into the general election.

Former David Cameron aide Steve Hilton spoke out to Fox News’ “Hannity” as voters in California went to the polls to choose their next governor.

Hilton, one of two leading Republicans in California’s “jungle primary” system, in which the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party, is hoping to become the first Republican to lead Sacramento since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger more than a decade ago.

Hilton, who enjoys the endorsement of President Donald Trump, said California has the “highest taxes in the country for the worst results.”

“When you get into those specifics, it's such a great example of how amazing it will be, not just for everyone here in California, but for the whole country, if our largest state is led by someone who wants to work with the Trump administration and the team the president has put together to make common-sense change happen, because the president and his team want to manage the forest, but Gavin Newsom and the Democrats are blocking them.”

“We can beat these Democrats. And after 16 years of one-party rule, this state is crying out for change and I think it's ready to vote for it too,” he said.

On the Democratic side, former Biden Cabinet official Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer are among those favored to advance, while Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., dropped out earlier this spring amid scandal.Incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited, and potentially has his eyes on higher office as well.

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, a Trump-backed Senate candidate who won Iowa's Tuesday GOP U.S. Senate primary, was captured on audio warning voters that the ongoing conflict with Iran could become a “political liability” for Republicans if it continues to drag on.

Hinson made the comments during a candidate meet-and-greet with voters in Webster County last week, according to Politico, which obtained the audio.

“I do hope we can get this done by the next couple of weeks,” Hinson said, according to the report. “If it drags on beyond that, it’s a political liability for us too, because we’ve lost Iowa soldiers. I’ve been to four funerals since December, it’s awful."

The comments surfaced on primary day in Iowa, where Hinson faced former state Sen. Jim Carlin for the Republican nomination to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst. President Donald Trump and Ernst have both backed Hinson.

Hinson’s remarks on Iran came after she publicly backed the president’s handling of the mission in the Middle East. House records show Hinson voted “Nay” in March on a war powers resolution that would have directed the president to remove U.S. forces from “unauthorized hostilities” in Iran.

A Hinson spokesperson defended her posture to Politico, saying, “Of course endless wars are unpopular — no one wants them and thankfully President Trump is doing everything he can to prevent one while keeping Americans safe.”

“Ashley fully supports his mission to keep nuclear weapons out of Iran’s hands," the spokesperson added.

As Los Angeles voters head to the polls to determine who will advance to November’s mayoral election, Spencer Pratt cautioned voters.

“If you don't vote, I don't want to hear you ever complain about any of the filth, crime, or decline in LA again,” Pratt posted to X Tuesday afternoon. “Get off your butt and VOTE, or enjoy what you get.”

Pratt has made that exact trio of issues the foundation of his campaign for mayor, claiming that incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass failed to address them.

He, for instance, argued Bass’s effort to shelter the homeless through her Inside Safe program has failed — costing taxpayers $300 million and assissting roughly 6,000 people, with 40% of them ending up back on the streets.

"The reality is, no matter how many beds you give these people, they are on super meth, they are on fentanyl," Pratt said at a mayoral debate last month. "I will go below the Harbor Freeway tomorrow with [councilwoman Nithya Raman] and we can find some of these people she's going to offer treatment for. She's going to get stabbed in the neck."

Traders on prediction market Kalshi are betting that incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt will emerge as the top two finishers in Tuesday's closely watched mayoral election, setting up a November runoff.

Los Angeles voters are heading to the polls to choose the city's next mayor, but no candidate is expected to clear the 50% threshold needed to win outright in the first round.

If no one secures a majority of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff later this year.

Kalshi traders give Bass a 68% chance of winning the race, making her the clear favorite. Public polling has consistently shown Bass leading the field, though she has remained well below the level needed to avoid a runoff.

Pratt, a registered Republican running in the officially nonpartisan race, is viewed as the second-most likely winner, with roughly a 25% chance of victory. City Councilmember Nithya Raman trails behind at 9%.

Trading volume in the market has surpassed $42.7 million, reflecting significant interest in the outcome. While prediction market odds are not formal forecasts, they provide a real-time snapshot of trader expectations.

The polls have now closed in New Jersey, Iowa, New Mexico, and South Dakota, five of six states coast-to-coast holding primary elections on Tuesday that will impact November's midterms, when the GOP's slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities will be up for grabs.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's clout over the GOP will once again face ballot box tests, including in a gubernatorial showdown in Iowa, while the Hawkeye State's Democratic Senate nomination is the latest battle between the establishment and progressive wings of the party.

The election arguably grabbing the most headlines nationally is in Los Angeles, where it's been three decades since a Republican won a mayoral contest in the nation's second most populous city. Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star and online influencer-turned-mayoral candidate, is gaining traction, thanks in part to his populist pitch and viral videos.

Veteran Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District, defeating challengers Katie Bansil and John Hsu and advancing to the November general election.

Pallone, who has represented the district for more than three decades, entered the race as the overwhelming favorite. He has served in Congress since 1988 and is one of New Jersey's longest-serving members of the House. He currently serves as the top Democrat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has played a leading role on health care, energy, telecommunications and environmental policy.

During his campaign, Pallone emphasized the stakes of the election, arguing that Democrats needed to counter policies supported by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The 6th District stretches across parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, including communities along the Raritan Bay and portions of the Jersey Shore. The district has traditionally leaned Democratic, giving Pallone a strong foundation as he heads into the general election.

Pallone's primary victory comes as Democrats nationwide are looking to regain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. While some longtime Democratic incumbents have faced growing pressure from progressive challengers this cycle, Pallone was able to fend off opposition and maintain his hold on the nomination.

He is expected to face the Republican nominee in November as he seeks another term representing New Jersey's 6th Congressional District in Washington.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” that Democrats in the Golden State are enthralled by Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s campaign ads.

McCarthy, who represented Bakersfield in the U.S. House for many years, said that he was recently in Los Angeles meeting with top California Democrats.

Host Laura Ingraham asked if people like Obama campaign architect Jim Messina publicly crediting Pratt’s ads could help tap into voter frustration, McCarthy said yes.

“The answer is yes it can, but it is. I was with prominent Democrats -- ones that created Karen Bass -- the other day when I was in L.A. They were showing me Pratt's ads. These were people who were in the industry and they were bragging how good they are,” McCarthy said.

“And the thing is, he's disciplined. He's sticking to three main items, homelessness, the parks, the crime -- And he has passion and his ‘why’ [is] his house burnt down, he can't build it back.

He can't take his kids to the park.”

McCarthy credited Pratt’s tactic of using Bass’ boasts against her – saying that when she claims to have cleaned up a certain park, the reports from the scene and shows that her claims are incorrect.

Over chicken and waffles at the iconic Los Angeles eatery, Republican mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt touted his law-and-order agenda and criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass as voters headed to the polls on Primary Day.

Pratt, a reality television personality who rose to fame on MTV's The Hills, has become one of the race's most closely watched candidates.

The mayoral hopeful spent part of Election Day at Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles, a Los Angeles institution known for its signature pairing of fried chicken and waffles.

After eating at the restaurant, Pratt praised the meal while contrasting his visit with a recent stop by Bass.

"Oh, it was incredible," Pratt told Fox News Digital. "We went to the actual Roscoe's in LA City. I saw Mayor Bass enjoyed a different Roscoe's. Still good. I don't think she ate anything. I think she just had a soda and a photo op, but I wanted to actually go experience the LA City Roscoe's."

Asked what he ordered, Pratt replied: "I had waffles and chicken. It was incredible."

Pratt entered the mayoral race after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 wildfire and has since become a vocal critic of Bass and city leadership. His campaign has focused on public safety, homelessness and government accountability.

Speaking outside Roscoe's, Pratt reinforced his public safety message.

"What am I doing on day one? We're gonna start making the streets safe again," Pratt said. "The law's back in LA. Once everybody's been warned, we will be enforcing all the laws so that everybody can feel safe all across the city."

This is an excerpt from a story by Amanda Macias and Hannah Brennan.

Jimmy Kimmel attacked Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt as “another narcissist looking for attention” in a segment last week in which he told viewers not to vote for the Republican candidate in the race.

Kimmel described Pratt as a "screaming jerk on reality shows," and said he was getting attention due to his house burning down in the fires. "His house burns down, and even though he had no private insurance on his house and doesn't believe in climate change, he is understandably upset about his house burning down. And since he's a moderately famous person, he gets attention," the liberal late-night host said.

The late-night host did acknowledge voter displeasure with Los Angeles leadership and that the city was a "mess." However, he said that Pratt didn't have any solutions.

Kimmel noted that Pratt was polling in second place.

"And if he's one of the top two candidates after the primary next Tuesday, a week from tonight, he will be one of our two choices for mayor of Los Angeles," he said. "So if you don't want to vote for Karen Bass on June 2, I get it. But you better find somebody else to vote for. And preferably somebody who isn't wasting our time and money to get himself back on television."

This is an excerpt from an article by Hanna Panreck

Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner told Fox News on Tuesday that Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt would upend the city's entrenched political machine.

Jenner told “The Story” that she is going to vote in-person and wants to see the Save America Act passed for the same reasons she thinks Pratt has an uphill climb to win out over incumbent Karen Bass.

“I see on TV thousands of these ballots that they're just figuring through; so open for fraud.

I just don't feel like the Democrat machine here in Los Angeles can ever let Spencer Pratt become mayor,” Jenner said.

“I mean, it would destroy them. So, that, for me, is a big problem that we have here in California.”

Jenner said her son Brody starred on “The Hills” with Pratt while adding that the candidate is more than the “reality star” he is billed as.

She noted Pratt attended the University of Southern California as a political science major and is a “sharp guy” running an “unconventional campaign.”

Pratt’s use of artificial intelligence to craft his advertising has been a hallmark of his campaign, but those strengths may not be enough to overcome California's political establishment, Jenner said.

“I don’t trust California… President Trump, please get the Save America Act and let's do something right -- You know, one person, one vote.”

Dennis Quaid, an actor best known for his roles in films such as The Parent Trap and The Right Stuff, provided a relatively straightforward reason for backing Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles's mayoral election.

"Why? What are you talking about? Why? Just look around, man," Quaid told Fox News Digital when asked why he was throwing his support behind Pratt, a former reality TV star.

Pratt has made public disorder and homelessness pillars of his campaign, accusing incumbent mayor Karen Bass of allowing the problems to fester. Los Angeles has an estimated homeless population of nearly 45,000.

Quaid had to evacuate his home in Pacific Palisades in January 2025 as fires ravaged Southern California. Pratt lost his house in the fires, a detail he has brought up often on the campaign trail, accusing Bass of mismanaging the city’s water resources and, as a result, making the fires worse than they had to be.

"Go Spencer Pratt," the 72-year-old actor said.

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt argued that the city’s ongoing clashes over federal immigration enforcement are the result of failed leadership from incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, while outlining how he would approach the issue if elected in Tuesday’s mayoral election.

Pratt, an independent candidate in Tuesday’s Los Angeles mayoral primary, said he opposes ICE operations in Los Angeles but believes city leaders can reduce tensions by cooperating with federal officials rather than publicly fighting them. Referring to Bass as "Karen Basura" — using the Spanish word for "garbage" — Pratt claimed her approach has contributed to the high-profile immigration disputes that have drawn national attention to Los Angeles.

"The way you keep ICE out of L.A. is by enforcing the law, not defying it," Pratt said in a social media post.

Pratt pointed to San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s relationship with the Trump administration as an example, arguing that cooperation between local and federal officials helped avoid the type of unrest and confrontations seen in Los Angeles. He contrasted Los Angeles with other Democratic-led cities that he said have not experienced the same level of conflict over immigration enforcement.

"It’s not a Democrat or Republican thing," Pratt said, arguing that city leaders should prioritize residents over political disputes.

The comments mark the latest attack by Pratt on Bass as he continues to campaign on government accountability, public safety and dissatisfaction with city leadership ahead of Tuesday’s election.

Los Angeles mayoral candidates Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman clashed during a heated debate focused on public safety, homelessness, immigration and the city’s recovery from last year’s devastating wildfires ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.

Pratt, an independent candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral election, drew attention for a series of blunt attacks against both Bass and Raman. Discussing homelessness, Pratt criticized Bass’ Inside Safe program, arguing that many participants eventually return to the streets. He also claimed that homelessness is largely driven by addiction and mocked Raman’s approach to outreach and treatment efforts.

The reality television star also targeted Bass over her handling of the January 2025 Pacific Palisades fires, accusing the mayor of ignoring requests for additional firefighting resources and criticizing decisions made by city leadership before the disaster. Pratt called the city’s wildfire response "the most dangerous thing that the mayor put us up against."

The debate also featured sharp exchanges over immigration and voting rights. When asked whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in local elections, Pratt responded with a simple "No," while Bass and Raman offered more nuanced answers.

Public safety emerged as another major dividing line. Pratt criticized Raman’s past positions on police funding and argued that Los Angeles should expand its police force to improve safety across the city.

President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., ahead of his primary day Tuesday, throwing his political weight behind a vulnerable House Republican who has been absent from Congress for months while dealing with undisclosed health issues.

Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, is running unopposed in the Tuesday Republican primary as four Democrats battle for the chance to unseat him in November. Trump praised Kean in a Truth Social post Monday night, describing him as a strong supporter of the president's “America First Agenda,” adding the New Jersey Republican is “working tirelessly” on border security, crime, the economy, taxes, energy, veterans and Second Amendment issues.

"Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election," Trump concluded, telling people to get out and vote.

The president's endorsement of Kean comes as the New Jersey congressman's absence from Capitol Hill has drawn growing scrutiny. Kean said in April that he was addressing a “personal medical issue” and that doctors expected him to make a full recovery, but he has not publicly disclosed the nature of the issue. Kean has not cast a vote since March 5, according to The New York Times. House voting records also listed Kean as “Not Voting” on a May 21 roll call vote.

However, ahead of his Tuesday primary, Kean put out a statement that "he's more energized than ever" while continuing to withhold details of his health issue.

"I am more energized then ever to keep fighting for the people of New Jersey's 7th District. Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks," Kean said in his statement "At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition."

Trump’s support remains one of the most powerful forces in Republican primaries, with candidates across several states openly competing for his backing ahead of key contests. His endorsement of Kean signals the White House and GOP leaders are still lining up behind the incumbent as Republicans fight to defend their narrow House majority this fall.

Reality TV star and social media personality Spencer Pratt drew sharp attention in Los Angeles’ mayoral race following a combative debate performance on May 6.

Pratt sharply criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman, two of his top rivals. He accused Bass of being an “incredible liar” and argued that city leaders have failed to adequately address homelessness, crime and government accountability.

Pratt’s campaign has gained visibility in part because he was among the thousands of Los Angeles County residents who lost their homes in last year’s devastating wildfires. He has repeatedly blamed Bass for the city’s response to the disaster and has made the issue a central theme of his campaign.

Recent campaign ads have targeted both Bass and Raman, with Pratt arguing that city leaders “don’t have to live in the mess they’ve created.” His opponents have pushed back, accusing him of using divisive rhetoric and borrowing from President Donald Trump’s political playbook.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary election, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.

Spencer Pratt filed a formal complaint accusing his opponent, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, of violating election laws by allegedly campaigning too close to a ballot box.

"Karen Bass just violated election law here," the reality star, who is running for mayor as an Independent, wrote on X on Tuesday.

"She is so accustomed to breaking the law with no accountability, she even filmed herself doing it. Well, those days are over. We just filed a formal complaint for illegally gaming the election. We must protect our democracy."

Pratt added that "Electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW. Soliciting votes at a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW. These clear violations show a reckless disregard for the rule of law and our democratic process."

He went on to say that a person in a position of power such as Bass "should be especially respectful of our democratic laws, but this is just emblematic of Karen's mafia-like regime. It's ‘rules for thee, but not for me.’"

The 42-year-old included a photo of the complaint in his post, adding, "We will uphold the rule of law and our democratic norms. Enjoy your conference calls with your lawyers, Karen!"

This is an excerpt from an article by Brie Stimson 

Healthcare for undocumented immigrants became a flashpoint during a recent California gubernatorial debate ahead of Tuesday's primary election.

Several Democratic candidates defended providing healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants despite concerns about rising costs and pressure on the state's budget. Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra argued that denying preventive care would ultimately increase healthcare spending by forcing patients to seek treatment in emergency rooms.

"It would be foolish to tell a family that they don't have access to the pediatrician or the family doc," Becerra said, arguing that community-based care is less expensive than emergency treatment.

Fellow Democratic candidates Tom Steyer and Katie Porter also backed coverage for undocumented immigrants. Porter said failing to provide care can create broader public health challenges and lead to longer emergency room wait times.

Republican candidates pushed back. Steve Hilton, a candidate in Tuesday's California gubernatorial primary, said California should stop spending billions on healthcare for undocumented immigrants and focus resources on legal residents. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco similarly argued that taxpayer-funded benefits incentivize illegal immigration.

The debate also highlighted divisions over broader healthcare reforms, including single-payer healthcare proposals. While some Democrats shared support for expanding government-run healthcare, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa warned that a statewide single-payer system would be prohibitively expensive and difficult to implement.

Republicans are aiming to break longtime losing streaks as they take the first steps toward winning California elections for governor and Los Angeles mayor while voters in the Democrat-dominated state head to the polls on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's clout over the GOP will once again face a ballot-box test in a gubernatorial showdown in Iowa, while the Hawkeye State's Democratic Senate nomination is the latest battle between the party's establishment and progressive wings.

California and Iowa are two of six states holding primary contests from coast to coast during the first week of June in elections that will impact November's midterms, when the GOP's slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities will be up for grabs.

The election arguably grabbing the most headlines nationally is in Los Angeles, where it has been three decades since a Republican won a mayoral contest in the nation's second-most-populous city. Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star and online influencer-turned-mayoral candidate, is gaining traction thanks in part to his populist pitch and viral videos.

Pratt is targeting Mayor Karen Bass, a former Democratic congresswoman seeking a second four-year term leading Los Angeles, over her handling of the wildfires and homeless crisis. Bass, who has been endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, a former California senator and state attorney general, as well as the state's two Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, last week landed the backing of term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In the race for governor, a whopping 61 candidates are running to succeed Newsom in leading the nation's most populous state and the world's fourth-largest economy.

But heading into the jungle primary, where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot and the top two finishers advance to the general election, only a handful of contenders have a good chance of making the cut.

Among them are Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton.

This is an excerpt from an article by Paul Steinhauser