California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will advance to the November election to replace Gov. Jerry Brown after securing the lead in Tuesday's primary election.
Newsom had approximately 35 percent of the vote with about 25 percent of precincts reporting. Republican businessman John Cox clinched the second spot with 26 percent of the vote.
"We're engaged in an epic battle, and it looks like voters will have a real choice this November — between a governor who is going to stand up against Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California," Newsom told cheering supporters at his victory rally in San Francisco's Mission District.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach were both tied for third with 11.1 percent each.
Because of California's "jungle primary," the top two vote-getters — regardless of party — advance to a runoff in November.