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. [cont.]
Eric McGhee and Daniel Krimm, Public Policy Institute of Calif.