On November 2, 2010, Pamela J. Brown, Libertarian nominee for Lieutenant Governor of California, received 5.86% of the vote. That is the highest share of the vote any candidate for that office (other than Democratic and Republican nominees) has received since 1922. The race also included nominees of the Democratic, Republican, American Independent, Green, and Peace & Freedom Parties. The total share of the vote going to minor party candidates in that race was 10.94%.
Most observers credit Brown’s relatively high showing to her statement in the Voters Guide. The campaign statement for all candidates for Lieutenant Governor can be read at this link on the Secretary of State’s web page. Every registered voter in California received this guide in the mail. The Secretary of State charges $25 per word, so Brown spent quite a bit of money on her statement.
The minor party candidate in 1922 who received a higher percentage for Lieutenant Governor was the Socialist Party nominee, who received 6.55 in a 3-party race.
Minor party candidates in 2010 for California Insurance Commissioner received, together, 11.85%, but no particular minor party candidate received as much as 4%.