What is California’s ‘jungle primary’ – and why are some Democrats calling to change the system?

How Does California’s ‘Jungle Primary’ Work?

California's June 2 primary uses a top-two system: only the highest vote-getters advance to November regardless of party, active since Proposition 14 (2011). With a crowded Democratic field (Steyer, Becerra) and Trump-backed Hilton competing, split-vote risk makes cross-aisle appeal—not base mobilization—the dominant campaign variable.