Mar. 11, 2026
Political 'shut-outs' and the unintended consequences of open primaries
In California's 2026 gubernatorial race, the eight-way Democratic field and only two Republicans creates a real possibility of a Republican shut-out--where both General Election slots go to the GOP for the first time in 20 years.
James R. Bozajian
Mayor
City of Calabasas
Email: jbozajian@cityofcalabasas.com
Bozajian is a former prosecutor and Calabasas City Councilmember
One of the more consequential aspects of open primary
elections is the curious phenomenon of the political "shut-out." While these are not uncommon occurrences,
there is one potential shut-out in the current
election cycle that could serve to upend California politics for years to come.
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