Election Cycles
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
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