In this episode of Independent Voter Podcast, Chad, Shawn, and Cara break down the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race and the explosive controversy surrounding ballot harvesting in California.
Leading up to the primary, party operatives used the scare tactic of a “Democrat lockout,” but not only did California voters prove this wrong, but they also revealed why nonpartisan open primaries work—voters make the decisions.
Political outsiders and independent voters shaped the outcome, debunking the disinformation campaign pushed by establishment party insiders who manufactured a fear narrative about two Republicans potentially advancing.
Spencer Pratt's campaign took off in LA, not because of his political leanings. It took off because he channeled voters' broad frustrations with City Hall and the partisan leadership that controls it.
We looked at all the negative things the 8 major candidates for governor said about each other, about Donald Trump and MAGA, about Democrats, and about California — from debates, interviews, and paid ads, in their own words.
California has developed a reputation for taking as long as a month to fully count its ballots. The question many have is, why? Here is what voters need to know.
If she advances past the Top Two primary, it would be more than a local upset. It would be evidence that something structural has shifted in American politics. It’ll also say something important about California’s nonpartisan primary system.
A majority of California Latino voters say they want to keep the nonpartisan Top Two primary or modify it to advance more than two candidates to the general election. They don't want the state to go back to closed primaries.
Steve Peace
Independent Voter Podcast
Cara Brown McCormick
Susan von Seggern
Shawn Griffiths
Matt Shinners
Michael Feinstein
IVN Editorial Board