Friend,

Early results from the June 7 primary elections are in, and a significant percentage of ballots still need to be counted. Here’s what we know so far, and what we expect to learn in the next few days and weeks:

Voter Turnout

• What we know now: Voter turnout is currently at 19% and is projected to be around 30% by the time ballots are fully counted. That would make this one of our lowest turnout elections in recent history.
• What we hope to learn: Breakdowns of voter turnout and deeper analysis on why turnout may have been lower in specific communities and geographies.

Courage Endorsed Candidates

• What we know now: Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton won her re-election decisively, and the majority of our other endorsed statewide and local candidates are headed to a November run-off election, including Congresswoman Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor.
• What we hope to learn: Final election results and lessons to apply to get our endorsed candidates to the finish line in November.

Campaign Spending

• What we know now: Big money was influential in races across the state. Nearly $40 million was spent in independent expenditures, especially from Uber, Amazon, Sempra Energy, and Chevron. Rick Caruso spent $24 million on his own LA mayoral campaign, and right wing donors and tech investors put in over $8 million to recall San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin.
• What we hope to learn: What it will take to elect and protect progressive leaders as the price tag on races and recalls gets higher and higher.

General Election Planning

• What we know now (and have always known): Every vote matters, and turnout will be key to progressive victories. California is key to many House protect and flip seats, and the general election is an opportunity for us to build towards actual progressive majorities in our state legislature and local governing bodies.
• What we hope to learn: What it will take to motivate all Californians to vote. There will be a lot of speculation about voter turnout, but we will have the opportunity to learn directly from voters in our summertime polling.

In mid-July, we’ll host a town hall to discuss the final results of the primary election and what they mean for the general election and our ongoing progressive movement. More details coming soon.

In the meantime, thank you for voting and doing your part in making California a more representative democracy.

Sincerely,

Irene, along with Amber, Angela, Annie, Isidra, Jay, Lindsay, LisaMarie, Mai, Mai, Raquel, and Scottie (the Courage team)