Statement: California’s Top-Two Primary Demonstrates Path Forward to Fix our Broken Elections

Unlike most states, every California voter had the freedom vote for any candidate in every election

Because of California’s open, all-candidate primary system, all 26M eligible California voters — including nearly 7M independent and non-major party voters — could participate in Tuesday’s primary and vote for any candidate regardless of party up and down their ballot. California is one of three states that uses all-candidate primaries for state and federal offices. 

Early results suggest this year's election will continue a longstanding trend: roughly one in ten California U.S. House races will feature same-party general election matchups. Those contests help create competition in districts that would otherwise be effectively decided in a party primary. In 2024, 22% of general elections for the U.S. House were competitive across the three all-candidate primary states — double the rate in the rest of the country (11%).

Nick Troiano issued the following statement celebrating California’s primary system:

“California’s top-two primary is a model for the nation. Unlike in 47 other states, every voter had the freedom to vote for any candidate, regardless of party, in every election. And every voter had the opportunity to cast a meaningful vote — even in the most gerrymandered districts.”

“The Golden State also demonstrated how open, all-candidate primaries inject competition into general elections that would otherwise be foregone conclusions. In at least two districts that heavily favor one party or the other –– and potentially in the governor’s race –– two members of the dominant party will advance to the general election and actually have to compete for the entire electorate to win.”

“Once again, California’s top-two primary is delivering on its promises: more participation, stronger representation, and more accountable government. Other states should follow suit.”

Relevant research and context

‍As you continue to cover this race and California’s top-two system, here’s some background research and context that might be useful:

• Report: Top-two primaries have delivered measurable improvements in California. Higher turnout, more competition, and more meaningful participation compared to party primaries.
• Report: How Primary Elections & Reform Shape Governance and Citizens’ Lives. Research suggests that all-candidate primaries in California and elsewhere produce better societal outcomes, including higher incomes, longer life expectancy, stronger reading scores, and lower murder rates.
• Press memo: The impact of top-two primaries. A summary of research on California and Washington’s election systems.

###

Unite America is a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government.

‍For More Information: Ross Sherman, Unite America Press Director, ross@uniteamerica.org, 207-749-2660

‍