California’s Top-Two Primary Fuels Push to Prevent Republican Lockout

California’s nonpartisan “top-two” primary—created by Proposition 14 in 2010—advances the two highest vote-getters from the June 2, 2026 primary to the November ballot regardless of party. With 62 candidates, Democrats fear vote-splitting could let former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco finish first and second, leaving the state without a Democratic governor despite a Democratic electorate.

New York Times

Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio filed a petition to place a repeal of the top-two system on the 2028 ballot, aiming to restore a traditional primary. Labor backing includes $250,000 from the California Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Businessman Bill Bloomfield contributed $1 million to the independent-expenditure group “Greater Golden State,” which also receives donations from Democratic donors and supports top Democratic contenders—Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Katie Porter—while potentially targeting intra-party rivals.

CNN

The ballot lists 62 hopefuls. Recent polls show Becerra and Hilton tied at 20 % each, Bianco at 14 %, and Steyer at 12 %. Steyer has self-funded over $160 million, a state record. “Greater Golden State” has raised at least $1.25 million.

KQED

California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks said, “We’re trying to ensure we have a strong Democrat into the general election.” Governor Gavin Newsom, who declined to endorse any candidate, stressed his goal “to do everything that needs to be done to make sure there’s not a lockout for a Democratic choice in the general election.” Becerra’s spokesperson Jonathan Underland praised Newsom’s focus, calling the effort to prevent a “Republican lockout” “good fiction.”

The Spokesman-Review

Hilton’s communications director Hector Barajas accused the Democratic establishment of “putting its thumb on the scale.” Some observers worry that “Greater Golden State” money may be used to influence intra-party outcomes rather than solely block Republicans.

CNN

Polls differ on the standing of lower-profile candidates such as Matt Mahan and Antonio Villaraigosa, and no data confirm how much “Greater Golden State” will spend on intra-Democratic contests. The repeal initiative’s ballot language and qualification timeline remain unspecified.

New York Times

• “People are not passive in terms of watching it happen,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

CNN

• “The party is not trying to force a specific candidate outcome,” — Rusty Hicks, California Democratic Party chair

CNN

• “This is once again the party establishment that has controlled CA for the last 16 years that is trying to put its thumb on the scale,” — Hector Barajas, communications director for Steve Hilton

CNN

• “Governor Newsom is absolutely right to stay focused on delivering for Californians. It’s our job to make sure the Republican lockout stays in the realm of bad fiction, and the polls show we’re getting it done,” — Jonathan Underland, spokesperson for Xavier Becerra

The Spokesman-Review

The repeal petition must qualify for the 2028 ballot, potentially reshaping the primary system for the 2030 cycle. The June 2, 2026 primary will decide whether a Democrat or Republican advances to the November runoff.

New York Times