If Cali Republicans were serious they’d gather together all their gubernatorial candidates and settle on ONE (not Cox) to be the nominee so they’ll have a chance to make the runoff. At this point they need do this for all statewide races, have a nominating system and shun anyone who runs without the party endorsement, if 15 barely known Republicans run for every office and badly split an already low vote share they will never win statewide office again under this ridiculous scheme.
Yes, though they should also pursue legal means using private citizens filing lawsuits galore (representing all the different political parties) that this top two vote-getter system must be brought to a screeching halt. This present system has effectively (illegally) outlawed the right of the parties to present and put up a duly-nominated individual for a general election.