Election Cycles in California
Most registered voters are aware that there is a presidential election every four years in November but are often puzzled by the bevy of elections that happen at other times.
Here is a short tutorial on elections in Santa Clara County:
- There are two major election cycles:
- General Election –Presidential Election –Every 4 years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday. The next General Election is in 2024
- Mid-Term Election—Gubernatorial Election—Every 4 years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday. The next Mid-Term Election is 2026
- Each major election cycle has a Primary election:
- For the General Presidential Election the Primary is held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in March. [March 5, 2024]
- For the Mid-Term Election the Primary is held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in June. [ June 2, 2026]
- General Election—Candidates on ballot. (2024 Next Election)
- Primary Election—March 5, 2024
- By political party we vote for DELEGATES pledged to a specific presidential candidate.
- By political party, members are elected to serve on the party’s County Central Committee. For Republicans that would be to serve on the Santa Clara County Republican Central Committee (SVGOP).
- To determine TOP two candidates for each Congressional Seat. [If a US Senate Seat is up for election, it will be on primary ballot.]
- To determine TOP two candidates for each State Senate and State Assembly Seat. [Note: State Assembly (80 Seats) are a 2 year term so they are on ballot every two years. State Senate (40 Seats) are 4-year terms and half of the State Senate Seats are up for election every two years.]
- San Jose City Council—Even numbered seats
- Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors –half of the seats
- General Election – November
- President and Vice President of US
- Face off of top two for: Congressional Seats, US Senate (if on ballot), State Assembly, State Senate, San Jose City Council and County Board of Supervisors.
- Half the seats of City/Town Councils (other than San Jose)
- Over 110 School Board seats representing half the Board of Trustees for every elementary, high school, unified school district and community college district.
- Many special districts
- Primary Election—March 5, 2024
- Mid-Term Election – Candidates on Ballot. (2026 Next Election)
- Primary Election—June 2, 2026
- To determine TOP two candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor and other stateside offices including Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Controller, etc.
- To determine TOP two candidates for each Congressional Seat. [If a US Senate Seat is up for election, it will be on primary ballot.]
- To determine TOP two candidates for each State Senate and State Assembly Seat. [Note: State Assembly (80 Seats) are a 2 year term so they are on ballot every two years. State Senate (40 Seats) are 4-year terms and half of the State Senate Seats are up for election every two years.]
- San Jose City Council—Odd numbered seats
- Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors –half of the seats
- Mid-Term/Gubernatorial Election – November 3, 2026
- Governor, Lt Governor and statewide offices including Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Controller, etc.
- Face off of top two for: Congressional Seats, US Senate (if on ballot), State Assembly, State Senate, San Jose City Council and County Board of Supervisors.
- Half the seats of City/Town Councils (other than San Jose)
- Over 110 School Board seats representing half the Board of Trustees for every elementary, high school, unified school district and community college district.
- Many special districts
- Primary Election—June 2, 2026