California held a special election to fill the vacant State Senate seat, 7th district, on March 17. Steve Glazer, a Democrat who has fought certain unions for the last several years, easily placed first, and a Democratic Assemblymember placed second. Since no one got as much as 50%, there will be a runoff in May between the two Democrats.
Eric McGhee has this analysis of the race. He points out that under the old system, in which California used a blanket primary for special elections between 1967 and 2010, Glazer would be in a runoff with the lone Republican in the race, and would have a much easier time in the runoff, because this district is predominantly Democratic, although not overwhelmingly so.
Just another example of TOP TWO killing the chance of 3rd parties and Independents when there was ever a time in this nation that we needed one.
In time, hundreds of thousands of Independents will dominate the election rolls, and the outcry from the public will force them to have to go back to the old system. There is evidence even now, that the voters are not satisfied. Even in this election, Republicans do not have a choice.
I call upon all Republicans along with 3rd partisans and Independents to continue to put pressure on legislators and others of influence to change back to the old system.
Hopefully, one day, the Courts will see the inequality of this TOP TWO and will call it unconstitutional. At least, for the time being, the Presidential elections are still traditional, and 3rd parties at least ought to put a strong efforts toward their national tickets.
Ultimately, the people will win. They always have!