California Primary and Delegate Rules
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. California primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.
Quick Answer
- Primary types: Democratic presidential: Partially Closed; Democratic state: Top-two; Republican presidential: Partially Closed; Republican state: Top-two.
- Consolidated presidential and state primaries: Yes.
- Democratic delegates: 497 total, 424 pledged, 73 unpledged, 35 alternates.
- Republican delegates: 169 total, 169 pledged, 0 unpledged, 166 alternates.
California Primary Election Types
| Party | Contest | Primary type |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Presidential | Partially Closed |
| Democratic | State | Top-two |
| Republican | Presidential | Partially Closed |
| Republican | State | Top-two |
Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling
Consolidated Primaries: Yes
California is one of the states that have merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries and State primaries are scheduled to run on the same days
The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, which took effect January 1, 2011, created "voter-nominated" offices. The Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act does not apply to candidates running for U.S. President, county central committees, or local offices.
Voting In Primaries
- California holds a partially closed primary for preisdential election. The Democratic and the Republican parties allow voters who did not state a party preference to vote for their presidential nominee. California uses the Top Two Candidate Open Primary system for statewide offices.
About California's Top-Two Primary
- All candidates for a given state or congressional office will be listed on a single Primary Election ballot.
- Voters can vote for the candidate of their choice for these offices.
- The top two candidates, as determined by the voters, will advance to the General Election in November.
California Presidential Delegate Allocation
The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election.
| Party | Total delegate votes | Pledged | Unpledged | Alternates | Allocation method | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 497 | 424 | 73 | 35 | proportional | 15% minimum vote required |
| Republican Party | 169 | 169 | 0 | 166 | Winner-Take-Most | Not specified |
Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process
Democratic Party's Proprotional Delegates Allocation
The Democratic Party in California uses a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Preference Election (Primary) for apportioning delegates to the Democratic National Convention. A Presidential Candidate must receive a 15% of vote of the total statewide vote in order for a presidential contender to be pledged National Convention delegates at either the congressional district or statewide level.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 277
- At-large Delegates: 92
- Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 55
- Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 73
- Alternate Delegates: 35
Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown
- DNC Members: 31
- Dem. Members of Congress: 40
- Dem. Governors: 1
- Distinguished Party Leaders: 1
Republican Party Primary Delegates Process
Republican Party's Winnner-Takes-Most Delegates Allocation
The Republican Party in California uses a Winner-Takes-Most system based on the results of the Presidential Preference Election (Primary) for apportioning delegates to the Republican National Convention. All 169 of California's delegates to the Republican National Convention are pledged to presidential contenders in today's California Presidential Primary. The Republican party will send a total of 169 Delegate Votes and 166 Alternate Delegates to the 2024 RNC national convention. 169 Pledged Delegate Votes (156 District-level delegates, 10 At-Large, and 3 RNC delegates).
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 156
- At-large Delegates: 10
- RNC Delegates: 3
- Alternate Delegates: 166
About These Rules
This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.
Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.Sources and Related Election Pages
The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: