How California’s “Jungle Primary” Works

(SeaPRwire) –   California residents will go to the polls on June 2 to participate in the state’s primary election, which is receiving considerable attention.

The primary centers on the contentious race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits. This contest has been marked by numerous developments and has attracted significant national interest. In April, then-Rep. Eric Swalwell, previously viewed as the leading Democratic candidate, suspended his campaign after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct emerged. Swalwell denied these claims and also stepped down from his congressional position.

Swalwell’s withdrawal from the gubernatorial race has led to speculation about which remaining Democratic candidate is best positioned to replace Newsom. Recent polls indicate that Tom Steyer, a billionaire philanthropist and former 2020 presidential candidate, along with Xavier Becerra, the former Secretary of Health and Human Services, are the leading Democratic contenders, though it remains uncertain who will ultimately prevail.

Polls also show that Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate backed by Donald Trump, is another major contender in the primary. Hilton, who formerly served as a political strategist for former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is one of two Republicans competing for Newsom’s position.

This situation has raised concerns among Democrats that the party could be excluded from the November general election if the vote is split among the numerous Democratic candidates, though experts interviewed by TIME have indicated that such an outcome is unlikely. However, this scenario is possible because the state employs what is commonly referred to as a “jungle primary,” or a “top-two primary” system.

What is a top-two primary?

In a top-two primary system, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes advance to the general election, irrespective of their party affiliation. This means that California voters could potentially see a general election ballot featuring only two Democratic candidates—or only two Republican candidates, although the latter is less probable in a state that historically leans Democratic.

Which races does the system apply to?

The system applies to California’s state constitutional offices, state legislative seats, and U.S. congressional positions—referred to as “voter-nominated offices.” However, it does not apply to candidates running for President, county central committees, or local offices.

How long has California used the top-two primary system?

The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, which instituted the so-called “jungle primary” system, took effect in 2011 after voters approved Proposition 14 in 2010. Supporters of the reform argued that top-two primaries would encourage candidates to appeal to voters across party lines, thereby reducing partisan divisions in the state. Critics, however, contended that it would limit voter options in the general election if candidates from the same party advanced to the November ballot.

How do write-in candidates work in a top-two primary?

Write-in candidates may run for voter-nominated offices in the primary, but they can only move forward to the November election if they are among the two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary.