How California’s Primary Election System Works

California uses a top-two nonpartisan primary system, meaning all voters receive the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation. Candidates from all parties appear on a single ballot, and voters may choose any candidate in each race.

In most statewide, congressional, and legislative races, the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election, even if they are from the same political party. This means the general election can feature two Democrats, two Republicans, or candidates from different parties depending on the results.

California does not use traditional party-specific primary runoffs. Instead, the primary itself serves as a qualifying election for the general election, where the top two candidates compete for the office.