How the Top Two Primary System Could Shut Democrats Out in November

GUEST OPINION

California State Capitol in Sacramento (Photo – Coolcaesar)

The California Governor’s race is a confusing mess.

By Ellen Finkelpearl 

If you’re a Democrat, how are you supposed to choose from a field of 7, 8, 20 candidates? In the running are Steyer, Porter, Becerra, Thurmond, Villaraigosa, and Mahan, with many others still on the ballot. The Swalwell news has dominated the airwaves, and you may be rethinking your choice or feeling even more confused.

But the fundamental issue is this: if Democrats do not unite around one (or possibly two) candidates for Governor in the upcoming May Primary, there is a very real danger that two Republicans will be the only choices for Governor on November’s ballot.

A surprising number of people I’ve talked with don’t seem to realize that California adopted a Top Two Primary system in 2011. When we vote next month, Californians will be choosing the two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party. Those two top vote‑getters will be the only options on the November ballot.

At the time of writing, Republican Steve Hilton leads the polls with 17%, followed by Chad Bianco (R) and Tom Steyer (D), tied at 14%. Although Xavier Becerra has gained ground in recent surveys, the risk remains that a fragmented Democratic vote could result in two Republicans advancing to the general election.

Meanwhile, many Democrats favor candidates polling below 10%. Do we really want to hand the Governor’s office to Trump endorsed Fox News host Steve Hilton or MAGA Sheriff Chad Bianco? Do the math: if Democrats split the vote among Steyer, Porter, Becerra, and the candidates polling under 10%, any chance of having a Democrat on the ballot in November will be forfeited. California Democratic leadership failed to narrow the field and prevent this fiasco, so it’s up to us as voters to rally behind a Democrat who can make it to November.

I stand with the groups and individuals who have agreed to vote for whichever Democrat is polling highest close to Election Day to avoid a two‑Republican race. Primary ballots will be mailed May 4 and must be postmarked by June 2. To get a clearer sense of which Democrat has the best chance, I plan to wait until mid‑ to late May to cast my vote.

I promise to vote for the front‑runner, even if he or she is not my top choice. I urge all Democrats to do the same.