California in spotlight as US votes in key primaries
Voters cast ballots in eight US states for key primary elections yesterday, with all eyes on California, where the outcome could swing the balance of power in Congress.
Democrats in the country's most populous state are battling to ensure they come out on top in several congressional districts that voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
However, given the state's unusual election system in which the two top vote-getters move on to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation, Democrats fear they may give Republicans the upper hand in some districts where they have a glut of candidates.
The race drew huge attention nationwide, especially given how solidly Democratic California has been, but it is unclear whether the high stakes will spur voters to cast ballots.
Officials said tabulating final results for the vote may take several days, or even weeks, given that many of the 19.4 million registered voters are casting their ballots by mail.
There were 27 candidates looking to succeed Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, and more than two dozen looking to replace veteran US Senator Dianne Feinstein.
The race for governor will now be between deputy governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and Trump-backed Republican John Cox.
Nationwide, Democrats must clinch at least 23 seats from Republicans to wrest control of the House of Representatives.
Apart from California, voters also cast ballots Tuesday in Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.
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