Carl DeMaio, a political commentator and leader of Reform California, posted a series of tweets on May 12 and 13, 2026, addressing the early results and processes surrounding California’s primary elections.
On May 12, DeMaio commented on early voting trends in the state’s primary. He wrote: “The first votes for the CA primary election are in, and early tallies show a surprising surge in Republican voters and a drop in Democrat voters. Here’s what’s driving this, and why Republicans still risk getting shut out in November – WATCH: https://t.co/pm8rrjSq9A https://t.co/Yiws67sFoT” (May 12, 2026).
Later that day, DeMaio criticized California’s “Top Two” open primary system. In his tweet he stated: “STOP SHUT-OUTS! CA’s crazy ‘Top Two’ open primary has swung from a risk of Democrats being shut out of the November runoff to Republicans now at risk of a shutout. Either scenario would leave voters no real choice in November. That’s why Reform California is announcing we’re https://t.co/S6McLGEjEN” (May 12, 2026).
On May 13, DeMaio addressed delays in vote counting following California elections. He tweeted: “CA is infamous for taking a month to count votes after an election, and Newsom is now blaming this delay on Trump. However, here’s the real reason it takes so long, as well as how the CA Voter ID Initiative will put an end to this – WATCH: https://t.co/mhgdgtuqLy https://t.co/9UErQzmhiS” (May 13, 2026).
California’s “Top Two” open primary system advances only the two candidates with the most votes—regardless of party—to the general election ballot. This has sometimes resulted in both candidates representing the same party on the November ballot.
The state has also faced ongoing scrutiny over its lengthy vote-counting process after elections; ballots postmarked by Election Day are accepted up to seven days later if received by mail and signature verification can prolong final tallies.
Reform California is an advocacy group led by Carl DeMaio that campaigns for various changes to state policy including electoral reforms.
