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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Example Sentences

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

“California’s jungle primary system also allows for the debate to include a wide spectrum of viewpoints and proposals to tackle those challenges that will reverberate across the country in this pivotal election year.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 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

California is holding its non-partisan "jungle" primary, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2024

Mr. Edwards had hoped to emerge with more than 50 percent of the vote in Saturday’s jungle primary, where candidates from across the political spectrum compete against one another.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2019