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Effort seeks to repeal "top two" primary system in California
The measure would return California to party-based primaries if organizers secure signatures and approvals, with Maviglio citing polarization and limited voter choice.
- On Sunday, Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio filed a ballot initiative with California's attorney general's office to repeal the state's 'top-two' primary system. If successful, the measure would return California to a party-based primary starting with the 2030 election cycle.
- Voters implemented the current system via Proposition 14 in 2010 to encourage moderate candidates. However, critics including former California Republican Party Chair Ron Nehring now label the 'jungle primary' a 'failed experiment' that denies millions of Californians meaningful choices.
- Maviglio argues the system creates 'Soviet-style' choices and excludes third parties from general election ballots. He contends the process deepens political divisions rather than reducing partisanship, disenfranchising voters who cannot select candidates reflecting their specific values.
- Conversely, a 2023 survey by the nonprofit Unite America Institute suggests the open primary actually reduces political polarization. The organization reports the system increases voter participation, contradicting arguments made by the initiative's supporters.
- Maviglio estimates the campaign requires over $10 million to secure necessary signatures for the November 2028 ballot. If the measure qualifies, California would reshape how it conducts future gubernatorial and legislative races.
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California Dems Scheme to Alter Election Rules, Block All-GOP Governor’s Race.
As Republicans lead in early gubernatorial polling in California, state Democrats have hatched a scheme to change the rules ahead of the primary in June.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: California Democrats are trying to overturn the state’s primary system as two Republican candidates lead the polls. DETAIL: California uses a system in which the top two candidates at the primary stage, regardless of party affiliation, progress to the general election…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 33%
C 45%
R 22%
Factuality
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