California’s 2026 Primary Could Be Decided by Strategic Voters -Not Just Turnout
In normal election years, I usually vote early, but this is no normal election year
We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson
The California Primary Election is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. If you are a California resident, you should have received your Voter Information Guide. All California active registered voters will receive a ballot for the June Primary Election. County election officials will begin mailing ballots by May 4, 2026. Secure ballot drop-off locations open on May 5, 2026. June 2 is the last day to vote -in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2. If you mail your ballot on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
In normal election years, I usually vote early, but this is no normal election year, especially in respect to the governor’s race. Most primary elections see one or two viable Democratic candidates on the ballot, along with one or two viable Republican candidates. For the 2026 June Primary, there are six Democratic candidates for governor (Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tony Thurman). There are two Republican candidates for governor (Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco).
Because of California’s “Primary System,” only the top two vote-getters will move on to the November General Election. Given the large number of Democrats on the ballot this primary, it is possible that the votes will be spread around so much that the top two vote-getters could both be Republicans. Those two Republican candidates are MAGA with close ties to the guy currently occupying our White House.
If, like me, you find that possible scenario unacceptable, here’s my suggestion. Don’t vote too early in this primary election. Wait until close to Election Day, June 2, before mailing in your ballot.
Pay close attention to polling done near election day and cast your ballot for the Democratic candidate for governor who is highest in the polls. It’s a fair bet that if a Democrat is in the top two, he/she will win the General Election in November.
“Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.” Keith Ellison
