California's political issues have been highlighted by the state's dysfunction, exacerbated by the COVID and last year's wildfires. These issues have fueled a backlash against Democrats' leadership, with the governor's race being dominated by former Biden Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Los Angeles mayor's race. Billionaire Tom Steyer, who has spent at least $132 million of his own fortune to position himself as the most left-wing candidate in the race, is leading the pack with a message that one-party Democratic rule has destroyed the California Dream. The L.A. mayor's battle is also being closely watched by reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who blames city leaders for the destruction of his home in the fires. Republicans are underdogs statewide but have a plausible path to qualifying for California's top-two general election.