Top-two primary
California uses a top-two (a.k.a. “jungle”) primary for nearly all partisan offices except U.S. President and county central committees. All candidates appear on a single primary ballot regardless of party. The two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the November general election, even if they share a party.
Statutorily established by Proposition 14 (2010). The system applies to Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Board of Equalization, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, and State Assembly.
Implications for the June 2, 2026 primary
- A safe-party seat may produce a same-party general (two Democrats or two Republicans) — common in California congressional races.
- Minor-party candidates rarely advance.
- The Superintendent of Public Instruction is officially nonpartisan; the top-two rule still applies.