The chair of the California Democratic Party, Rusty Hicks, has called for the repeal or revision of the state's open primary system, warning that it could allow a Republican to win the governorship in a heavily Democratic state. Hicks described the current system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, as a failure that risks pitting multiple Democratic candidates against each other.
With the June 2 primary approaching, Hicks expressed concern that six Democrats in the race could split the vote, allowing Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco to take the top two spots. Such an outcome would be a major blow to the party, which has not lost a statewide election since 2006 and holds supermajorities in the legislature.
Hicks previously urged low-polling Democratic candidates to drop out, drawing criticism from some who argued it undermined voter choice. Former state legislative leader Ian Calderon, who later withdrew, said in a TV interview that Democrats should believe in having options.
The top-two primary, introduced in 2010 under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was intended to boost independent voters' influence and encourage moderation. However, critics say it has failed to deliver on its promises. Political science professor Sara Sadhwani noted that California remains dominated by one party, with little moderation.
Similar scenarios have occurred before, such as in 2012 and 2014, when Republicans were locked out of general elections in Democratic-leaning districts. In 2022, the GOP was shut out of a state senate race in a similar fashion.
