Key Facts

• The California primaries use a "jungle primary" system where all candidates compete together, and the top two go to a runoff in November.
• Several senior Democratic House members in their 70s and 80s, like Reps. Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, and Brad Sherman, face tough primary challenges from younger Democrats.
• Challengers are criticizing the incumbents for being in office too long and are raising large amounts of money to fund their campaigns.
• Incumbents are defending their records by highlighting their work against former President Trump and their achievements for their districts.
• Some campaigns are using negative advertising aimed at opponents and tactics involving outside groups to influence the outcome.
• Other House Democrats, including some younger incumbents, also face credible primary challenges in California.
• The primaries include important races such as the contest to replace former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
• Democrats are also watching California’s mayoral and gubernatorial elections as part of assessing voter mood.