2026 California Primary Election: Official Candidate List
The candidate filing period opened on February 9th for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election in California, according to announcements from multiple county governments. Candidates across the state began submitting the necessary documentation to qualify for the ballot, initiating a key phase in the election cycle.
Yolo County officials confirmed the opening of the nomination periods and the declaration of intention filing process, mirroring the procedures being implemented in Nevada and Contra Costa counties. The California Secretary of State issued advisories to county elections officials in January 2026, outlining the requirements and timelines for the primary election. These advisories detailed the specific procedures for candidates seeking to run for various offices.
The filing period allows prospective candidates to officially declare their intention to run and submit the required paperwork, including nomination documents and any associated fees. County elections officials are responsible for verifying the eligibility of candidates and processing their filings. The June 2nd primary will determine which candidates advance to the general election in November.
Although specific candidate lists have not yet been publicly released by the Secretary of State, county-level offices are beginning to process the initial submissions. The opening of the filing period marks a significant step towards defining the field of contenders for state and local offices. The process is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with a final list of qualified candidates to be certified before the primary election date.
The California Secretary of State continues to provide guidance and support to county elections officials throughout the process, ensuring a consistent and transparent election administration. Further updates regarding candidate filings and election procedures will be released by the respective county elections offices as the filing period progresses.