Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado has barely been in office for a month – but he’s won the chance to run for a full term. The Republican survived a primary challenge from conservative State Senator Sam Aanested. He’ll face San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson, who held off L.A. City Councilmember Janice Hahn in the Democratic primary.
Former Facebook exec Chris Kelly spent more than 10 million dollars of his own money to try and win the Democratic primary for State Attorney General. But it wasn’t enough. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris got the nod instead ... as did Los Angeles County D.A. Steve Cooley on the Republican side.
In other races … Secretary of State Debra Bowen, a Democrat, will face Republican Damon Dunn in Novemeber. Democratic Treasurer Bill Lockyer will have to get past Republican State Senator Mimi Walters for re-election. Democratic State Controller John Chiang’s challenger will be Republican State Senator Tony Strickland. And it’ll be Democrat Dave Jones facing a yet-to-be-determined opponent for Insurance Commissioner. The Republican primary is too close to call.