The open seat for California lieutenant governor, vacated by term-limited incumbent Eleni Kounalakis, features a nonpartisan June 2 primary in which the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party. State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief service officer Josh Fryday, former Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs, and attorney Janelle Kellman lead the Democratic field, while former state senator Gloria Romero and David Fennell head the smaller Republican slate. Recent polling shows low name recognition across the board and a large undecided share, with Fryday, Ma, and Tubbs statistically tied after voters receive balanced candidate information. Campaigns have centered on endorsements from labor groups, legislative caucuses, and local officials, plus outreach on affordability and climate issues, with no major shifts reported in the past month.