About This Guide
This "jungle primary" deserves much more attention than it's been getting. And that's why we created this guide.
Because this race is starting to look a lot like the Gray Davis recall race of 2003. That was the one where we ended up with Arnold the Governator, who won thanks to two things: 1. He had high name recognition, and 2. He promised to reduce everyone's DMV fees.
This guide is openly progressive in its perspective. It focuses on what candidates have actually done in their current roles — their track record of accomplishments and accountability — rather than on polling, fundraising, or name recognition. The goal is to help California voters choose candidates who can not only win in November, but land in Sacramento and be effective on day one.
How the Jungle Primary Works
California uses a top-two nonpartisan primary — sometimes called a "jungle primary" — in which all candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot. Every registered voter votes in the same election, regardless of party. The top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, no matter what party they belong to.
What this means in practice
If three strong Democrats and two Republicans run, and Democratic voters split their support among all three, it's entirely possible that both Republicans finish first and second — and no Democrat appears on the November ballot at all. This is not hypothetical: the California Democratic Party has publicly warned this could happen in 2026.
Why this race is different from a typical primary
In most states, Democrats vote for Democrats and Republicans vote for Republicans in separate primaries. Here, you're not just choosing your party's nominee — you're helping determine which two candidates all Californians will choose between in November. That makes the June vote arguably more consequential than the November one.
The jungle primary was passed by California voters in 2010 as a citizens' initiative, intended to reduce partisan polarization by encouraging candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Whether it has achieved that goal is debated — but it is the system we have, and understanding it is essential to voting strategically in 2026.
The Strategic Voting Question
With eight Democrats and two Republicans in the race, the single greatest risk in this primary is vote-splitting. Here is what that looks like in practice:
The Republican lock-out scenario
Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton have each been polling around 12–15%. If Democratic votes are fragmented across eight candidates, each getting 8–12%, both Republicans could finish first and second — and California's governor's race in November would be between two Trump-aligned Republicans. In a state that hasn't elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006.
Third-party votes carry real cost here
In California's jungle primary, a vote for a Green Party candidate isn't a protest — it's a subtraction from the progressive pool. Green Party VP nominee Butch Ware ran on Jill Stein's 2024 ticket, which drew votes from progressive Democrats in swing states. The same dynamic applies here, amplified by the top-two structure. Every vote that doesn't go to a viable Democrat makes the lock-out scenario more likely.
What strategic voting looks like in 2026
Choose a Democrat — ideally one with a realistic path to finishing in the top two — whose values and track record you trust to govern California effectively. The goal isn't just to feel good about your vote in June. It's to make sure the November ballot gives all Californians a real choice.
Key Dates
After May 18, same-day voter registration is available in person at your county elections office or polling location. All active registered California voters receive a mail ballot automatically.
Register or check your registration
Visit registertovote.ca.gov to register, update your registration, or check your status. Find your county elections office and polling locations at sos.ca.gov.
How We Scored This
Each candidate is evaluated on two dimensions, scored 1–10. Scores reflect track record, governing experience, and alignment with California's progressive values — not polling, fundraising, or name recognition.
Mamdani Quotient (MQ)
Can this candidate both advance through the jungle primary and govern California effectively from day one? Named for the idea that winning the race and being ready to govern are two separate — and equally necessary — things. A high MQ means both are credibly in reach.
CA Values Alignment
How closely does this candidate's record and policy instincts map to California's broad center of gravity — housing access, climate action, healthcare, worker protections, and democratic norms? This is not about party label alone; it's about demonstrated ideology.
Candidate information was sourced from CalMatters, PPIC, Wikipedia, campaign websites, congressional records, and news coverage through March 2026. This guide reflects one progressive voter's informed analysis — not an official endorsement by any organization.
The Candidates
Evaluating track record, governing readiness, and CA values alignment — not polls or fundraising.