How Does California’s ‘Jungle Primary’ Work? ...Middle East

In this photo illustration, an official ballot, including an "I Voted" sticker, mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of the state primary election, photographed in Los Angeles, California, on May 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. —Jay L Clendenin—Getty Images

At the heart of the primary is the tumultuous race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can’t run for his office again because of term limits. The race, which has been filled with twists and turns, has drawn national attention. In April, then-Rep. Eric Swalwell, who was considered to be the frontrunner in the crowded field of Democratic candidates, suspended his campaign after several allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Swalwell, who denied the allegations, also resigned from Congress. 

Polls also indicate that a Trump-backed Republican candidate, Steve Hilton, is another leading contender in the primary race. Hilton, who previously served as a political strategist for former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is among the two Republicans vying for Newsom’s role.

Here’s what to know about California’s primary system.

Which races does the system apply to?

The system applies to California’s state constitutional offices, state legislative offices, and U.S. congressional offices—known as “voter-nominated offices.” But the top-two primary system doesn’t apply in the state for candidates who are launching bids for President, county central committees, or local offices.

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

Write-in candidates can run for voter-nominated offices in a primary, but can only advance to the November election if they are one of the two candidates to earn the most votes in the primary.

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