Reform California Celebrates Big Primary Wins

Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio is celebrating the results of the June 2026 Primary Election – saying voters are demanding change across California.

"We had some incredible wins for our Reform California movement – despite the Swamp outspending us in our target races," said DeMaio.  

"These results show voters are hungry for bold fighters willing to challenge the Sacramento Swamp and tackle the issues driving families and businesses out of California," added DeMaio.

Win 1: Governor and Statewide Races

Reform California is on track to win with its endorsed candidate in 7-out-of-8 statewide races. As of last report, only one race is at high risk of a shutout right now – Insurance Commissioner.  

For months, Reform California warned that California's top-two election system created a real risk that Republicans could be shut out of key statewide races if voters split their support among multiple candidates. Reform California urged voters to use data and vote strategically to ensure a Republican advanced to the November General Election.

Just weeks ago, polling showed Republicans faced as much as a 50% chance of being shut out entirely if GOP voters fractured their vote.

DeMaio credited Reform California supporters and volunteers for helping educate voters about the risks posed by California's top-two system.

"Many political insiders dismissed our warnings, but the results show we were right to sound the alarm," said DeMaio. "Republican voters came together when it mattered most and now Californians will have a real choice in November."

Win 2: State Senate District 40

The Sacramento Swamp of special interests spent more than $4.5 million against Reform California’s endorsed candidate in Senate District 40 (Kristie Bruce Lane). But in the end, Bruce-Lane will advance to the runoff in this target seat.

“The Swamp wasted $4.5 million trying to anoint a sellout of their choosing in a Republican Primary – but Reform California sent a message that the days of the Swamp deciding who our nominees are will be over going forward,” DeMaio notes.

Win 3: Other 26 in 2026 Candidates Post Strong Results

Reform California-backed candidates also posted strong results in the organization's "26 in 2026" target-seat effort.

In the State Senate, several top Reform California targets turned in impressive performances, including Tony Strickland, Roger Niello, Darin DuPont, Guillermo Gonzalez, Laura Bassett, Art Hodges, and Rhonda Shader. Many of these candidates either led their races outright or secured spots in the November General Election.

In the State Assembly, Reform California-backed candidates also performed strongly. Josh Hoover, Juan Alanis, Jeff Gonzalez, Greg Wallis, Leticia Castillo, Tri Ta, Gracey Van Der Mark, Laurie Davies, Mike Murphy, Saul Ayon, Paulo Morales, and Carrie Espinoza Villanueva all posted strong results and are positioned for competitive General Election contests.

"We are building a team of bold fighters who are willing to challenge the failed policies coming out of Sacramento," said DeMaio. "Every election cycle, more voters are rejecting the status quo and demanding accountability."

Momentum Builds Heading Into November Election

Across California, reform-oriented candidates and taxpayer advocates performed strongly in a number of targeted races.

The election results showed the growing voter frustration with rising taxes, high energy costs, crime, homelessness, government waste, and Sacramento's failure to address California's affordability crisis.

"Voters are sending a message," said DeMaio. "They want common-sense solutions, fiscal responsibility, safer communities, and leaders who will stand up to special interests."

Because of California's lengthy ballot-counting process, millions of ballots remain outstanding, and final results may not be known for several weeks in some close races.

"We will continue monitoring the results as ballots are counted," concluded DeMaio. "But based on what we're seeing today, Reform California supporters have a lot to celebrate. The movement for change is growing, and we're taking that momentum straight into November."

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