Sam Liccardo, the Democratic incumbent in California's 16th congressional district, dominated the June 2, 2026 nonpartisan primary with roughly 75 percent of the vote, advancing under the state's top-two system alongside one Republican. Peter Soule and Kevin Johnson each captured about 11 and 10 percent, respectively, while independent Jotham Stein received under 4 percent. The district's consistent Democratic registration advantage and lack of competitive challengers shaped the outcome, consistent with its solid partisan lean. With results certified shortly after election day, trader consensus has aligned with the confirmed advances to the November general election.