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Voters head to the polls across California, Iowa and beyond on a pivotal primary election day 22%
By Paul Steinhauser0% Amanda Macias0% Hannah Brennan0% Alec Schemmel0% Michael Sinkewicz41% Robert Schmad0% Andrew Mark Miller0% Peter Pinedo51% Leo Briceno0% Ashley J. DiMella0% Alex miller31% Adam Pack36% Morgan Phillips0% Kiera McDonald0% Elaine Mallon0% Charles Creitz0%
6/2/2026, 11:00:19 PM
Keywords: Election, Primary, California, Iowa, New Jersey, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Midterms, Politics, Spencer Pratt, Karen Bass, Tom Kean Jr, Rebecca Bennett
BS Summary: This article contains 41 faulty reasoning types, including Post Hoc (False Cause), Framing Effect, and Appeal to Authority, with Negativity Bias as the most egregious example at 18.6% saturation with 798 hits. Analysis detected 5,878 faulty-reasoning hits from 4,296 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 36.1% and a BS Rank of 22% (15,915 of 20,366 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 78.10% of the article peer group.
Voters in California, New Jersey, Iowa, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota are casting ballots Tuesday in primary elections that will help shape the 2026 midterm landscape.
Follow Fox News Digital for live results, race calls, analysis and updates throughout the night.
Spencer Pratt accuses LA Mayor Karen Bass of breaking election law by campaigning near ballot box
Spencer Pratt filed a formal complaint accusing his opponent, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, of violating election laws by allegedly campaigning too close to a ballot box.
"Karen Bass just violated election law here," the reality star, who is running for mayor as an Independent, wrote on X on Tuesday.
"She is so accustomed to breaking the law with no accountability, she even filmed herself doing it.
Well, those days are over.
We just filed a formal complaint for illegally gaming the election.
We must protect our democracy."
Pratt added that "Electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW.
Soliciting votes at a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW.
These clear violations show a reckless disregard for the rule of law and our democratic process."
He went on to say that a person in a position of power such as Bass "should be especially respectful of our democratic laws, but this is just emblematic of Karen's mafia-like regime.
It's ‘rules for thee, but not for me.’"
The 42-year-old included a photo of the complaint in his post, adding, "We will uphold the rule of law and our democratic norms.
Enjoy your conference calls with your lawyers, Karen!"
This is an excerpt from an article by Brie Stimson
Traders on prediction market Kalshi expect Bass, Pratt to advance to Los Angeles mayoral runoff
Traders on prediction market Kalshi are betting that incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt will emerge as the top two finishers in Tuesday's closely watched mayoral election, setting up a November runoff.
Los Angeles voters are heading to the polls to choose the city's next mayor, but no candidate is expected to clear the 50% threshold needed to win outright in the first round.
If no one secures a majority of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff later this year.
Kalshi traders give Bass a 68% chance of winning the race, making her the clear favorite.
Public polling has consistently shown Bass leading the field, though she has remained well below the level needed to avoid a runoff.
Pratt, a registered Republican running in the officially nonpartisan race, is viewed as the second-most likely winner, with roughly a 25% chance of victory.
City Councilmember Nithya Raman trails behind at 9%.
Trading volume in the market has surpassed $42.7 million, reflecting significant interest in the outcome.
While prediction market odds are not formal forecasts, they provide a real-time snapshot of trader expectations.
Dems pick nominee to take on vulnerable GOP congressman with mysterious health problems
Rep.
Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., an embattled lawmaker sidelined for months by an undisclosed health issue, will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett in November’s general election.
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary for a battleground New Jersey House seat, according to The Associated Press.
Kean, who has not appeared in public since March, ran unopposed for the GOP nomination.
Bennett’s primary victory sets up what could be the two-term incumbent’s toughest re-election fight yet.
The suburban swing district is considered critical to House Republicans’ efforts to hold their slim majority.
President Donald Trump endorsed Rep.
Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., ahead of his primary day Tuesday.
"Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election," Trump said.
Kean put out a statement this week saying, he's "more energized than ever" while continuing to withhold details of his health issue.
"I am more energized then ever to keep fighting for the people of New Jersey's 7th District.
Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks," Kean said in his statement "At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition."
Polls close as Trump's clout, California GOP hopes face key tests
The polls have now closed in New Jersey, Iowa, New Mexico, and South Dakota, five of six states coast-to-coast holding primary elections on Tuesday that will impact November's midterms, when the GOP's slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities will be up for grabs.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's clout over the GOP will once again face ballot box tests, including in a gubernatorial showdown in Iowa, while the Hawkeye State's Democratic Senate nomination is the latest battle between the establishment and progressive wings of the party.
The election arguably grabbing the most headlines nationally is in Los Angeles, where it's been three decades since a Republican won a mayoral contest in the nation's second most populous city.
Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star and online influencer-turned-mayoral candidate, is gaining traction, thanks in part to his populist pitch and viral videos.
Veteran Democratic Rep.
Frank Pallone cruises to primary victory in New Jersey
Veteran Democratic Rep.
Frank Pallone Jr. won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District, defeating challengers Katie Bansil and John Hsu and advancing to the November general election.
Pallone, who has represented the district for more than three decades, entered the race as the overwhelming favorite.
He has served in Congress since 1988 and is one of New Jersey's longest-serving members of the House.
He currently serves as the top Democrat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has played a leading role on health care, energy, telecommunications and environmental policy.
During his campaign, Pallone emphasized the stakes of the election, arguing that Democrats needed to counter policies supported by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.
The 6th District stretches across parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, including communities along the Raritan Bay and portions of the Jersey Shore.
The district has traditionally leaned Democratic, giving Pallone a strong foundation as he heads into the general election.
Pallone's primary victory comes as Democrats nationwide are looking to regain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.
While some longtime Democratic incumbents have faced growing pressure from progressive challengers this cycle, Pallone was able to fend off opposition and maintain his hold on the nomination.
He is expected to face the Republican nominee in November as he seeks another term representing New Jersey's 6th Congressional District in Washington.
McCarthy: California Democrats enthralled by Spencer Pratt ads
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” that Democrats in the Golden State are enthralled by Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s campaign ads.
McCarthy, who represented Bakersfield in the U.S.
House for many years, said that he was recently in Los Angeles meeting with top California Democrats.
Host Laura Ingraham asked if people like Obama campaign architect Jim Messina publicly crediting Pratt’s ads could help tap into voter frustration, McCarthy said yes.
“The answer is yes it can, but it is.
I was with prominent Democrats -- ones that created Karen Bass -- the other day when I was in L.A.
They were showing me Pratt's ads.
These were people who were in the industry and they were bragging how good they are,” McCarthy said.
“And the thing is, he's disciplined.
He's sticking to three main items, homelessness, the parks, the crime -- And he has passion and his ‘why’ [is] his house burnt down, he can't build it back.
He can't take his kids to the park.”
McCarthy credited Pratt’s tactic of using Bass’ boasts against her – saying that when she claims to have cleaned up a certain park, the reports from the scene and shows that her claims are incorrect.
Small business owner Rachel Peace wins Democratic primary in blue state’s reddest district
Small business owner Rachel Peace is projected to win the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 4th congressional district — the one that has been represented by a Republican for the longest time at present in the Garden State.
Peace, who made Medicare and Medicaid a top issue in her campaign, is poised to face off with entrenched conservative Republican incumbent Rep.
Christopher Smith of Manchester.
Peace described Smith as a career politician who “still believes in trickle-down economics,” a well-known economic policy of President Ronald Reagan.
Smith has held the seat since his first win in 1980 and is favored in the general election, which is a rarity for the GOP in the otherwise deep blue state.
The district, encompassing Monmouth and Ocean Counties on the northern end of the Jersey Shore, is Republican friendly and has seen an influx of retirees moving to the growing number of 65-plus communities along NJ-70 from Lakehurst to Brick.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LA mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt eats at iconic Roscoe's Chicken 'N Waffles, takes dig at Bass
Over chicken and waffles at the iconic Los Angeles eatery, Republican mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt touted his law-and-order agenda and criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass as voters headed to the polls on Primary Day.
Pratt, a reality television personality who rose to fame on MTV's The Hills, has become one of the race's most closely watched candidates.
Pratt entered the mayoral race after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 wildfire and has since become a vocal critic of Bass and city leadership.
His campaign has focused on public safety, homelessness and government accountability.
Speaking outside Roscoe's, Pratt reinforced his public safety message.
"What am I doing on day one?
We're gonna start making the streets safe again," Pratt said.
"The law's back in LA.
Once everybody's been warned, we will be enforcing all the laws so that everybody can feel safe all across the city."
This is an excerpt from a story by Amanda Macias and Hannah Brennan.
Jimmy Kimmel urges people to vote against Spencer Pratt in LA mayor race Late-night host
Jimmy Kimmel attacked Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt as “another narcissist looking for attention” in a segment last week in which he told viewers not to vote for the Republican candidate in the race.
Kimmel described Pratt as a "screaming jerk on reality shows," and said he was getting attention due to his house burning down in the fires.
"His house burns down, and even though he had no private insurance on his house and doesn't believe in climate change, he is understandably upset about his house burning down.
And since he's a moderately famous person, he gets attention," the liberal late-night host said.
The late-night host did acknowledge voter displeasure with Los Angeles leadership and that the city was a "mess."
However, he said that Pratt didn't have any solutions.
Kimmel noted that Pratt was polling in second place.
"And if he's one of the top two candidates after the primary next Tuesday, a week from tonight, he will be one of our two choices for mayor of Los Angeles," he said.
"So if you don't want to vote for Karen Bass on June 2, I get it.
But you better find somebody else to vote for.
And preferably somebody who isn't wasting our time and money to get himself back on television."
This is an excerpt from an article by Hanna Panreck
Progressive who wants to abolish ICE advances in NJ House primary
Rep.
Analilia Mejia, D-N.J., advanced in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, setting the progressive freshman up for another general election fight after she first won the seat, previously vacated by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, in a special election earlier this year.
Mejia, a longtime labor organizer and former national political director for Sen.
Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, first rose to Congress after winning the special election to replace former Rep.
Mikie Sherrill, who left the seat after being elected New Jersey governor.
The April special election to replace Sherrill was a battle between Mejia and Republican Joe Hathaway, a Randolph councilman and former mayor, who ran unopposed and will take on Mejia in a rematch in November.
Tuesday’s win keeps Mejia on track to seek a full two-year term in November after entering Congress in April.
Mejia has drawn attention for her left-wing immigration platform, including her support for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fox News Digital previously reported that Mejia, after winning the Democratic nomination in the special election, defended calls to abolish ICE and likened the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts to 1960s-era segregationist violence in the South.
McIver secures Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District
U.S.
Rep.
LaMonica McIver won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, defeating challenger Lawrence Poster and advancing to the November general election.
McIver first won the Newark-area seat in a 2024 special election following the death of longtime Rep.
Donald Payne Jr.
She entered Election Day as the overwhelming favorite.
New Jersey's 10th Congressional District includes Newark and parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties and has long been a Democratic stronghold, making her primary victory the most significant hurdle in retaining the seat in November.
Her victory comes weeks after federal prosecutors charged McIver with assaulting, impeding and interfering with federal officers during a confrontation outside Newark's Delaney Hall immigration detention facility.
The congresswoman has denied wrongdoing and called the prosecution politically motivated.
Since arriving in Congress, McIver has become a prominent voice on immigration and oversight issues, drawing national attention for her criticism of the Trump administration's policies.
During her partial term, McIver has served on the House Homeland Security and Small Business Committees.
McIver now advances to the November general election, where she will seek a full term representing the district.
Caitlyn Jenner: ‘Brilliant’ Spencer Pratt winning would destroy LA’s political class
Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner told Fox News on Tuesday that Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt would upend the city's entrenched political machine.
Jenner told “The Story” that she is going to vote in-person and wants to see the Save America Act passed for the same reasons she thinks Pratt has an uphill climb to win out over incumbent Karen Bass.
“I see on TV thousands of these ballots that they're just figuring through; so open for fraud.
I just don't feel like the Democrat machine here in Los Angeles can ever let Spencer Pratt become mayor,” Jenner said.
“I mean, it would destroy them.
So, that, for me, is a big problem that we have here in California.”
Jenner said her son Brody starred on “The Hills” with Pratt while adding that the candidate is more than the “reality star” he is billed as.
She noted Pratt attended the University of Southern California as a political science major and is a “sharp guy” running an “unconventional campaign.”
Pratt’s use of artificial intelligence to craft his advertising has been a hallmark of his campaign, but those strengths may not be enough to overcome California's political establishment, Jenner said.
“I don’t trust California… President Trump, please get the Save America Act and let's do something right -- You know, one person, one vote.”
Golden Globe nominee gives frank response for why he’s backing Spencer Pratt
Dennis Quaid, an actor best known for his roles in films such as The Parent Trap and The Right Stuff, provided a relatively straightforward reason for backing Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles's mayoral election.
"Why?
What are you talking about?
Why?
Just look around, man," Quaid told Fox News Digital when asked why he was throwing his support behind Pratt, a former reality TV star.
Pratt has made public disorder and homelessness pillars of his campaign, accusing incumbent mayor Karen Bass of allowing the problems to fester.
Los Angeles has an estimated homeless population of nearly 45,000.
Quaid had to evacuate his home in Pacific Palisades in January 2025 as fires ravaged Southern California.
Pratt lost his house in the fires, a detail he has brought up often on the campaign trail, accusing Bass of mismanaging the city’s water resources and, as a result, making the fires worse than they had to be.
"Go Spencer Pratt," the 72-year-old actor said.
Spencer Pratt torches ‘Karen Basura’ and puts a twist on how Los Angeles would handle ICE if he were
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt argued that the city’s ongoing clashes over federal immigration enforcement are the result of failed leadership from incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, while outlining how he would approach the issue if elected in Tuesday’s mayoral election.
Pratt, an independent candidate in Tuesday’s Los Angeles mayoral primary, said he opposes ICE operations in Los Angeles but believes city leaders can reduce tensions by cooperating with federal officials rather than publicly fighting them.
Referring to Bass as "Karen Basura" — using the Spanish word for "garbage" — Pratt claimed her approach has contributed to the high-profile immigration disputes that have drawn national attention to Los Angeles.
"The way you keep ICE out of L.A. is by enforcing the law, not defying it," Pratt said in a social media post.
Pratt pointed to San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s relationship with the Trump administration as an example, arguing that cooperation between local and federal officials helped avoid the type of unrest and confrontations seen in Los Angeles.
He contrasted Los Angeles with other Democratic-led cities that he said have not experienced the same level of conflict over immigration enforcement.
"It’s not a Democrat or Republican thing," Pratt said, arguing that city leaders should prioritize residents over political disputes.
The comments mark the latest attack by Pratt on Bass as he continues to campaign on government accountability, public safety and dissatisfaction with city leadership ahead of Tuesday’s election.
WATCH: Left-wing LA mayor faces reality TV challenger’s blunt takedowns in heated mayoral debate
Los Angeles mayoral candidates Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman clashed during a heated debate focused on public safety, homelessness, immigration and the city’s recovery from last year’s devastating wildfires ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.
Pratt, an independent candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral election, drew attention for a series of blunt attacks against both Bass and Raman.
Discussing homelessness, Pratt criticized Bass’ Inside Safe program, arguing that many participants eventually return to the streets.
He also claimed that homelessness is largely driven by addiction and mocked Raman’s approach to outreach and treatment efforts.
The reality television star also targeted Bass over her handling of the January 2025 Pacific Palisades fires, accusing the mayor of ignoring requests for additional firefighting resources and criticizing decisions made by city leadership before the disaster.
Pratt called the city’s wildfire response "the most dangerous thing that the mayor put us up against."
The debate also featured sharp exchanges over immigration and voting rights.
When asked whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in local elections, Pratt responded with a simple "No," while Bass and Raman offered more nuanced answers.
Public safety emerged as another major dividing line.
Pratt criticized Raman’s past positions on police funding and argued that Los Angeles should expand its police force to improve safety across the city.
President Trump endorses Rep Tom Kean Jr amid questions over congressman’s absence
President Donald Trump endorsed Rep.
Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., ahead of his primary day Tuesday, throwing his political weight behind a vulnerable House Republican who has been absent from Congress for months while dealing with undisclosed health issues.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, is running unopposed in the Tuesday Republican primary as four Democrats battle for the chance to unseat him in November.
Trump praised Kean in a Truth Social post Monday night, describing him as a strong supporter of the president's “America First Agenda,” adding the New Jersey Republican is “working tirelessly” on border security, crime, the economy, taxes, energy, veterans and Second Amendment issues.
"Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election," Trump concluded, telling people to get out and vote.
The president's endorsement of Kean comes as the New Jersey congressman's absence from Capitol Hill has drawn growing scrutiny.
Kean said in April that he was addressing a “personal medical issue” and that doctors expected him to make a full recovery, but he has not publicly disclosed the nature of the issue.
Kean has not cast a vote since March 5, according to The New York Times.
House voting records also listed Kean as “Not Voting” on a May 21 roll call vote.
However, ahead of his Tuesday primary, Kean put out a statement that "he's more energized than ever" while continuing to withhold details of his health issue.
Trump’s support remains one of the most powerful forces in Republican primaries, with candidates across several states openly competing for his backing ahead of key contests.
His endorsement of Kean signals the White House and GOP leaders are still lining up behind the incumbent as Republicans fight to defend their narrow House majority this fall.
Reality TV star Spencer Pratt gains traction in Los Angeles mayoral race after fiery debate
Reality TV star and social media personality Spencer Pratt drew sharp attention in Los Angeles’ mayoral race following a combative debate performance on May 6.
Pratt sharply criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman, two of his top rivals.
He accused Bass of being an “incredible liar” and argued that city leaders have failed to adequately address homelessness, crime and government accountability.
Pratt’s campaign has gained visibility in part because he was among the thousands of Los Angeles County residents who lost their homes in last year’s devastating wildfires.
He has repeatedly blamed Bass for the city’s response to the disaster and has made the issue a central theme of his campaign.
Recent campaign ads have targeted both Bass and Raman, with Pratt arguing that city leaders “don’t have to live in the mess they’ve created.”
His opponents have pushed back, accusing him of using divisive rhetoric and borrowing from President Donald Trump’s political playbook.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary election, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.
California Dems rally around healthcare for illegal immigrants during fiery debate
Healthcare for undocumented immigrants became a flashpoint during a recent California gubernatorial debate ahead of Tuesday's primary election.
Several Democratic candidates defended providing healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants despite concerns about rising costs and pressure on the state's budget.
Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra argued that denying preventive care would ultimately increase healthcare spending by forcing patients to seek treatment in emergency rooms.
"It would be foolish to tell a family that they don't have access to the pediatrician or the family doc," Becerra said, arguing that community-based care is less expensive than emergency treatment.
Fellow Democratic candidates Tom Steyer and Katie Porter also backed coverage for undocumented immigrants.
Porter said failing to provide care can create broader public health challenges and lead to longer emergency room wait times.
Republican candidates pushed back.
Steve Hilton, a candidate in Tuesday's California gubernatorial primary, said California should stop spending billions on healthcare for undocumented immigrants and focus resources on legal residents.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco similarly argued that taxpayer-funded benefits incentivize illegal immigration.
The debate also highlighted divisions over broader healthcare reforms, including single-payer healthcare proposals.
While some Democrats shared support for expanding government-run healthcare, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa warned that a statewide single-payer system would be prohibitively expensive and difficult to implement.
Republicans aim for major upsets in Dem strongholds in early test of political climate
Republicans are aiming to break longtime losing streaks as they take the first steps toward winning California elections for governor and Los Angeles mayor while voters in the Democrat-dominated state head to the polls on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's clout over the GOP will once again face a ballot-box test in a gubernatorial showdown in Iowa, while the Hawkeye State's Democratic Senate nomination is the latest battle between the party's establishment and progressive wings.
California and Iowa are two of six states holding primary contests from coast to coast during the first week of June in elections that will impact November's midterms, when the GOP's slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities will be up for grabs.
The election arguably grabbing the most headlines nationally is in Los Angeles, where it has been three decades since a Republican won a mayoral contest in the nation's second-most-populous city.
Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star and online influencer-turned-mayoral candidate, is gaining traction thanks in part to his populist pitch and viral videos.
Pratt is targeting Mayor Karen Bass, a former Democratic congresswoman seeking a second four-year term leading Los Angeles, over her handling of the wildfires and homeless crisis.
Bass, who has been endorsed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, a former California senator and state attorney general, as well as the state's two Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, last week landed the backing of term-limited Gov.
Gavin Newsom.
In the race for governor, a whopping 61 candidates are running to succeed Newsom in leading the nation's most populous state and the world's fourth-largest economy.
But heading into the jungle primary, where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot and the top two finishers advance to the general election, only a handful of contenders have a good chance of making the cut.
Among them are Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton.
This is an excerpt from an article by Paul Steinhauser
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