Primary election will bring very limited answers

by Brian Leubitz

Voters across the state are heading to the polls today. Or, at least a few of them will head to the polls today, as we will see a high vote by mail total in addition to a low total turnout. But, there are precincts open across the state just waiting for some voters.

The big question today is just how many Dem-on-Dem races will we see in November. In the statewide races, Ashley Swearingen looks to be set for the Top2, but which Democrat will join her in the Controller general election is anybody’s guess. Former Speaker Perez has ramped up spending these past few weeks and is coming on strong. BOE Member Betty Yee had an early lead, and if the traditional voting patterns hold up, could maintain it. Tom Torlakson and Marshall Tuck look set for another round in November. And the race for #2 is getting interesting as Neel Kashkari and Tim Donnelly fight it out. The other races are a little bit less exciting.

But the Democratic Party is where the action is. While there aren’t party primaries per se, several legislative and Congressional races are being fought for the Democratic base. A few districts will likely feature a rematch in November: San Francisco Assembly and Ted Lieu’s Senate District. Others could very well land in that category: Sbranti v Glazer, Honda v Khanna, and a few others.

Propositions 41&42 look to be headed for victory, but you never really can tell until you get that first batch of vote totals after the polls close at 8. Most important of all is that we remind our friends and family to vote. This is going to be a low turnout election, every vote is that much more important.