Story perspectives

June 2 Top-Two Primary: Democrats Packed, Republicans Might Advance

5/11/2026

Center

Newsom Skips Endorsement

The 2010 ‘jungle primary’ is under renewed scrutiny as a packed Democratic field could allow two Republicans to move forward.
California will hold its June 2 top-two primary for governor, with the top two vote-getters advancing to a November runoff.
Governor Gavin Newsom said he will not endorse candidate, aiming to avoid a Democratic lockout.
Experts said any reform, such as restoring minor-party ballot access, would need voter-approved constitutional amendment.

Left

Weber Warns

Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who opposed Proposition 14, warned open primary failed to boost diversity and may enable Republican lockout.
Democratic consultant Steven Maviglio filed a petition to replace California’s top-two primary with a traditional party primary.
The California Service Employees International Union contributed $250,000, joined by businessman Bill Bloomfield among backers.
Experts say the reform, on the 2028 ballot, would require a voter-approved constitutional amendment.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 voters approved Proposition 198, converting California’s closed primary into a blanket primary that let any voter select any candidate. The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated that system in the 2000 case California Democratic Party v. Jones, ruling it violated parties’ First Amendment association rights. Governor Gavin Newsom and labor groups now back a 2028 petition to restore party-centric primaries.

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Newsom Skips Endorsement

The 2010 ‘jungle primary’ is under renewed scrutiny as a packed Democratic field could allow two Republicans to move forward.
California will hold its June 2 top-two primary for governor, with the top two vote-getters advancing to a November runoff.
Governor Gavin Newsom said he will not endorse candidate, aiming to avoid a Democratic lockout.
Experts said any reform, such as restoring minor-party ballot access, would need voter-approved constitutional amendment.

1 / 3