Top California Democrat urges change to ‘free-for-all’ primary to keep governor’s mansion blue
Summary
The chair of the California Democratic Party, Rusty Hicks, wants to change or end California’s current “open primary” system. He says the system, where the top two vote-getters in the primary advance regardless of party, could let two Republicans win the governor’s race despite Democrats having more voters.Key Facts
- California uses an “open primary” where all candidates compete together and the top two move to the general election, no matter their party.
- Rusty Hicks calls this system a failure that risks letting Republicans win in a heavily Democratic state.
- Six Democrats are competing for governor, which could split their vote and allow two Republicans to advance.
- California Democrats have a strong voter registration advantage and control in the state legislature.
- The “open primary” system was created in 2010 under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to increase voter choice and encourage moderate candidates.
- Critics say the primary system has not created more moderation or competition as intended.
- Some Democratic candidates felt pressured by Hicks to drop out to avoid splitting votes.
- Other top Democrats have not publicly supported changing the primary system during the current race.
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