jungle primary

American  

[juhng-guhl prahy-mer-ee, prahy-muh-ree] / ˈdʒʌŋ gəl ˈpraɪ mɛr i, ˈpraɪ mə ri /

noun

• jungle primaries
  plural

1. a primary election in which all candidates run against one another, rather than being separated by political party.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• jungle primaries
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jungle primary

Mr. Duke outpolled the incumbent Republican, Buddy Roemer, in the state’s jungle primary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

In California, the state's "jungle primary" system picks the two contenders with the most votes to proceed to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

The top two candidates in Tuesday’s jungle primary will advance to a November runoff, unless one candidate manages to garner over 50% of the vote.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026

That's because unlike most other states -- where each party has its own election to choose a standard-bearer -- California has a so-called "jungle primary" that pits all-comers against each other.

From Barron's ● May 5, 2026

Remember California’s odd jungle primary system: The top two finishers in every race, regardless of party, head to a runoff in November.

From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2024