blog post California’s Competitive House Districts By Eric McGhee Aug 11, 2022 California’s newly drawn congressional districts could play a key role in determining party control of the US House of Representatives. What factors might shape the competitive races?
blog post The Top-Two System and Election 2016 By Eric McGhee Nov 10, 2016 This election marked the third outing for California's "top two" primary system.
blog post Election Takeaways: Golden State of Mind By Mark Baldassare Dec 14, 2018 Record-high voter turnout, a "blue wave" of Democratic victories, and a diverse group of officeholders are among the key takeaways from California's 2018 election.
press release Newsom, Villaraigosa in Virtual Tie, Feinstein Leads de León by Double Digits Feb 7, 2018
Report Test-driving California’s Election Reforms By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Sep 13, 2012 In the June 2012 primary, California tested two important electoral changes: new legislative and congressional districts drawn by an independent citizens commission and a "top two" primary system. The results suggest the reforms produced some changes—in particular, more open seats and more competition. However, there was also a great deal of continuity with recent elections: most candidates endorsed by a major party and all incumbents are advancing to the fall election and partisan outcomes were broadly in line with what might have been expected under the old primary system. Over time, the reforms may produce more radical change, but the first step on the road of reform has been a small one.
blog post The Power of the Primary Voter By Eric McGhee May 8, 2014 Voters are starting to think seriously about whether or not to vote on June 3—in fact, many voters have received their vote-by-mail ballots already. And because of a recent change to California’s primary system, this decision about voting will be more important than ever.
