A Democrat strategist who warned way back in April 2025 that his party could be frozen out of California's 2026 gubernatorial general election, leaving voters to choose from two Republicans, has filed a ballot initiative to repeal the state's "top 2" primary system. That strategist, Steven Maviglio, told the New York Times on Friday, "The fear of having to vote for Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco sent a shiver up my spine."
Yeah, well, that's how I felt when my choices for U.S. Senator were Dianne Feinstein and Kevin de Leon in 2018. And when my choices for the same office were Kamala Harris and Loretta Sanchez in 2016. And in 2018, when the choices for Lieutenant Governor, Insurance Commissioner, and Superintendent of Public Instruction were all Democrats. And let's not forget 2014, when my choices for Superintendent for Public Instruction were both Democrats.
Since the implementation of "top 2" in 2012 there have been a handful of races in which two Republicans made it to the November ballot (including the first race I worked on in California, between now-state Sen. Tony Strickland and now-former Rep. Steve Knight), but the system has overwhelmingly benefited Democrats and contributed to the party's stranglehold on the legislature: There have been 100 Democrat vs. Democrat state legislative races compared to 26 Republican vs. Republican.
Republicans: Remember to Keep Your Eyes on State Elections
For statewide offices there have been seven all-Democrat races, while Republicans have never seen two of their members advance. And the mere possibility of that occurring has sent Democrats into full panic and whining mode. Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, a Democrat, said:
“This year’s gubernatorial primary has put the spotlight on the undemocratic top-two primary. The notion that Democrats could wake up to two Republicans on the November ballot, or that Republicans could have the choice of only two Democrats, is unfathomable.”
Democrats won't hear me argue against this ballot initiative, which never should have happened in the first place - and which was essentially brought to us by two squishy Republicans, former Sen. Abel Maldonado and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the California Chamber of Commerce, via ballot initiative in 2010. Grassroots Republicans and labor unions found common cause in opposing the measure, but it passed with 54 percent of the vote. Labor unions in the state will likely support Maviglio's measure, according to California Federation of Labor Unions president Lorena Gonzalez, who added:
“Voters understood that a Democrat could get eliminated from even being in the top two. That has really opened up people’s eyes to what could happen.”
Still, Democrats shouldn't be credited for their sudden move to do the right thing. They were perfectly okay with top 2 as long as Republicans were being locked out.
Editor’s Note: Help us continue to report the truth about corrupt politicians.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member