Most of the time, voters still get a Democrat-versus-Republican match-up — but not always.<\/p>\n
This year, fears of two Republicans advancing in the race for governor sent shockwaves, with Democratic leaders calling on lower-polling candidates to drop out.<\/p>\n
At the time, that included Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra. Democrats eventually coalesced around Becerra after Eric Swalwell dropped out amid a scandal.<\/p>\n
The entire fiasco reignited the debate over the top-two system.<\/p>\n
“I think Democrats and Republicans should be thinking about changing this top-two primary system so that we don’t have the potential for millions of Californians to be facing a general election without a candidate from their party on the ballot,” said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data.<\/p>\n
MORE: California election delays draw scrutiny as leaders stress ‘system is working’<\/a><\/p>\n The sentiment has been felt — from losing candidates to winning candidates.<\/p>\n “We need to end this top-two system and move back to something that will guarantee voters have a real choice that’s what democracy is all about,” said Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton.<\/p>\n But not everyone agrees.<\/p>\n Monica Madden: “Do you think the top two is having its intended effect?”<\/p>\n “I think it is. If you look at the California State Legislature, while it’s dominated by Democrats, what we’ve seen over the years is two separate Democratic caucuses emerge: one that is much more traditionally progressive,” said Political Analyst Dan Schnur. “And then, what it is, one which is also very left-leaning on social and cultural issues, but tends to be more willing to work with the business community and with job creators.”<\/p>\n Whether voters will want to change the system in the next primary election cycle remains to be seen, but the debate over top-two is far from over.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/131c44567cfd550c1c93df1368fb6896.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n