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

The state’s so-called jungle primary system means that the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2024