SACRAMENTO, May 10, 2026 – A ballot initiative to repeal California’s “Top Two” primary on the November 2028 ballot was filed with the Attorney General’s office today. 

 

The measure, “Undo the Top Two,” is a simple repeal of Proposition 14, which was approved by voters in 2010.

 

The grassroots repeal effort is fueled by concerns that California’s primaries are disenfranchising a majority of California voters by limiting choice to candidates from one party. 

 

“This year’s gubernatorial primary has put the spotlight on the undemocratic Top Two primary,” says former Democratic Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. “The notion that Democrats could wake up to two Republicans on the November ballot, or that Republicans could have the choice of only two Democrats, is unfathomable. It is high time to eliminate the jungle primary so that voters of every political party and independents can be assured they will have a candidate representing their philosophy in the general election.”

 

“The top-two primary system is a failed experiment,” says former California Republican Party Chair Ron Nehring. “It achieved none of its intended goals of moderating California politics, while it has denied millions of Californians meaningful choices in the general elections where most people vote. It’s time for it to go. Every Californian deserves the  option of voting for a candidate of any party in the general election,” he continued. “There is a good reason why no other state has adopted a top-two primary system since California did.  No one can look at this crazy system and say it’s producing good results, or working as intended.”

 

California Democratic Party chairman Rusty Hicks told The Guardian this week, “The current system we have does not work. It needs to be revised or repealed.”

 

California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez recently tweeted: “The jungle primary (top 2) in California is trash. Worst political reform in semi-recent California history. Failed experiment.”

 

Leaders of California’s Green Party and Libertarian Parties also are in favor of repealing the Top Two. “Third parties” have been effectively shut out of California’s general elections.

 

“The top two system effectively shuts out third-party and independent candidates by preventing them from reaching the general election ballot,” former California Libertarian Party Chair Mimi Robson.” A repeal would restore a system where voters can consider a full range of political perspectives, not just those of the two dominant old parties.”

 

“California’s ‘top-two’ primary system silences voters by excluding alternative voices and forcing millions to choose between candidates who don't represent their values,” notes David Cobb of the Green Party of California. “We call for its abolition and replacement with a truly democratic system that guarantees fair access, robust debate, and meaningful voter choice.”

 

The official proponent of the measure is Steven Maviglio, a Sacramento-based political strategist.The website is: www.undothetoptwo.com/

 

​Contact: Steven Maviglio 916-607-8340

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