IVN Editorial Board
Political strategist, IVN commentator, and The Latino Century author Mike Madrid has a blunt warning for California: The campaign to repeal the state’s nonpartisan Top Two primary would disproportionately silence the fastest-growing segment of the electorate.
In a new Sacramento Bee op-ed, Madrid argues that Latino voters—particularly those who do not align with either major party—played a significant role in California’s record-setting June primary.
The state counted more than 9.4 million ballots, the highest turnout for a California gubernatorial primary since recordkeeping began in 1914. Turnout among Latino independent voters tracked near 16.5%, roughly 40% higher than in 2022.
Their participation is also growing three times faster than the electorate overall.
Madrid points to Xavier Becerra’s success in the governor’s race as evidence of what can happen when these voters participate. Becerra advanced from a crowded field while billionaire Tom Steyer, who ran what Madrid characterized as the race’s most partisan campaign, fell short.
The larger issue, Madrid argues, is that Latino voters are moving away from strict loyalty to both major parties. California’s Top Two system allows them to vote for any candidate without first choosing a party ballot.
Repealing the system would once again make their participation dependent on rules established by the political parties.
Madrid calls the repeal campaign “voter suppression aimed at the fastest-growing share of the electorate, dressed up as a return to party order.”
Polling suggests Latino voters are not asking California to go backward. A May Independent Voter Project survey found that 53% wanted to retain Top Two or expand the number of candidates who advance.
Only 22% supported eliminating the nonpartisan system and restoring partisan primaries.
Madrid’s message is simple: Latino independents showed up, helped reshape California’s most important statewide race, and demonstrated their growing political influence.
Party insiders should not respond by shutting the door in their faces.