Overview
The offices open for nomination are known as voter nominated and nonpartisan. Partisan offices are not scheduled for nominations during the gubernatorial election.
Questions and answers
How are candidates elected?
Voter-nominated offices - Top Two Primary
Even if one candidate receives the majority of all votes cast (50%+1) the top two candidates who receive the most votes in the Primary Election, regardless of their political party, will move onto the General Election ballot in November.
Political parties can no longer formally nominate candidates, but may endorse, support, or oppose candidates for these offices. Voters may vote for any candidate regardless of their party preference.
Nonpartisan offices
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction, county candidates, and judicial candidates must receive the majority of all votes cast (50%+1) to win outright. If no one candidate reaches that level the top two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will move onto the November General Election ballot.
Special district candidates do not need the majority of all votes cast but must receive more votes than the other candidates in order to win outright.
When will elected candidates take office?
Whether or not you’re elected in June or November, the ‘swearing in’ dates are as follows:
U.S. Representative in Congress will take office on January 3, 2027. U.S. Const., amend. XX, §§ 1-2
State Officers including Governor will take office on January 4, 2027. Cal. Const., Art. V, §§ 2, 11
State Senate & State Assembly will take office on December 7, 2026. Cal. Const., Art. IV, § 2(a)(1)(3)
Superior Court Judges will take office on January 4, 2027. Cal. Const., Art. VI, § 16(c)
County elected officials will take office on January 4, 2027. Gov’t. Code § 24200
Special District officials will take office on December 4, 2026. Elec. Code § 10554