What is Jungle Primary?

Definition and meaning of jungle primary: A jungle primary, also known as a non-partisan primary election, is an election where candidates from all political affiliations compete in the same primary race.

Regardless of party, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. This system, used in states like California and Washington, opens the primary process to a larger pool of candidates, including those not affiliated with major parties. By removing party filters, jungle primaries encourage candidates to appeal to a broader voter base and focus on issues that matter to all voters.

Jungle primaries can reduce partisan influence, as candidates must engage with a wide range of constituents, rather than solely their own party members. This set-up promotes a competitive landscape and may reduce the influence of special interests, helping voters choose based on candidates' stances rather than party loyalty. As a result, jungle primaries aim to create a more open and representative political process.

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