Specter of an all-GOP governor race spurs push to remake open primary

Key Points:

• Political consultant Steve Maviglio has filed a proposal to repeal California’s top-two primary system established by Proposition 14, aiming to return to a traditional party-based primary where the top candidates from each party advance to the general election.
• The current top-two system allows two candidates from the same party to compete in the general election, which has raised concerns, especially in the upcoming gubernatorial race where two Republicans might exclude Democrats from the November ballot.
• Proposition 14, passed in 2010 with support from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, was designed to reduce partisan gridlock by encouraging candidates to appeal to a broader electorate, but critics argue it limits voter choice and disenfranchises the majority party’s voters.
• Maviglio’s initiative, inspired by concerns over the governor’s race, seeks to appear on the 2028 ballot and take effect in 2030, with backing from figures across the political spectrum, including Democratic and Republican party leaders.
• The debate over Proposition 14’s effectiveness continues, with some officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, expressing doubts about whether the current system has increased diversity or improved elections as intended.