California Democrat Rusty Hicks Pushes Voting Overhaul To Prevent GOP Sweep In Governor’s Race

Rusty Hicks is calling for major changes to California’s primary election system, arguing that the current structure could allow Republicans to dominate the upcoming governor’s race.

Hicks criticized the state’s “top-two” primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. He said the system is flawed and should be “revised or repealed,” warning that it could lead to unintended outcomes in crowded races.

The concern stems from a large field of Democratic candidates potentially splitting the vote, which could allow two Republican contenders to advance instead. That scenario has raised alarm among some Democrats, even as polling shifts have eased concerns slightly.

California adopted the current system in 2010 under then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Supporters at the time argued it would empower moderate candidates and reduce partisan gridlock by allowing all voters to participate in a single primary.

Before that change, California used a more traditional system where each party selected its own nominee to compete in the general election. Critics of the older model said it gave more influence to ideological extremes within each party.

Hicks did not outline a specific alternative but suggested that a new proposal could be brought before voters as soon as later this year. He indicated that such a measure could come either from the state legislature or from a well-funded ballot initiative campaign.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over how elections are structured in one of the nation’s most populous states, especially as both parties look for strategic advantages in high-stakes races.