SACRAMENTO — Results from California's June 2 primary election have set the stage for renewed debates over education funding in the November general election, state officials and education advocates said.
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton advanced as the top two candidates in the gubernatorial race, according to preliminary results released by the California Secretary of State's office. The outcome positions the future governor to influence state budget decisions, including the Proposition 98 minimum funding guarantee for K-12 schools and community colleges.
Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of health and human services and state attorney general, and Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, will compete in November for the seat being vacated by term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Education emerged as a key issue in the primary, with candidates addressing school funding levels amid ongoing state budget constraints.
The primary also featured a competitive race for state superintendent of public instruction. Early results showed candidates including Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera advancing to a potential runoff, according to reports from election observers. The position oversees California's public schools, though the governor holds significant authority over budget proposals.
California's education funding, governed in part by Proposition 98, accounts for a substantial portion of the state general fund. A recent PPIC survey found that 47 percent of likely voters viewed current state funding for local public schools as “not enough,” while debates continue over additional resources and allocation priorities.
Advocates on different sides have weighed in on potential changes. Some call for increased investments in K-12 and early education programs, while others emphasize fiscal responsibility and reforms to improve outcomes. Details on specific funding proposals from the advancing gubernatorial candidates remain under discussion as the general election campaign begins.
“Californians expect their next governor to prioritize strong public schools,” said one education policy observer familiar with the campaigns. “The primary results highlight the need for clear positions on funding and governance as we head into November.”
Local ballot measures related to school bonds and parcel taxes appeared on the June primary ballot in various districts, with outcomes still being finalized. Broader state-level initiatives on education funding could appear on the November ballot, officials said.
As vote counting continues, with some ballots still being processed, the secretary of state's office is scheduled to certify final primary results in July. The November general election will determine leadership on key education policy decisions for the coming years.
State lawmakers and the incoming administration will also address potential governance changes for the California Department of Education as part of budget discussions.
