Fearing an All-Republican Governor’s Race, Democrats Push for New Primary Rules in California
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- A Democratic strategist has launched a campaign to repeal California’s top-two primary system, which has been in place for 15 years and allows the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, to advance to the general election.
- The proposed initiative seeks to return to a traditional primary system where one candidate from each party moves on to the general election, aiming to prevent scenarios where two candidates from the same party compete in November.
- This effort is expected to gain support not only from labor unions and Democrats but also from some Republicans and third-party groups.
- The initiative was filed with state elections officials and, if approved by voters, could appear on the 2028 ballot, with implementation starting in the 2030 elections, including the governor’s race.
- The push to repeal the top-two system was motivated by concerns that Democrats could be shut out of the governor’s race, as polls showed two Republicans leading in a crowded field earlier this year.
