Here’s how I’m voting in the California primary election for 2026.

With sixtyone(!) candidates on the ballot just for Governor, and sixteen for Lieutenant Governor, this ballot is a mess. The top two vote-getters for each office will move on to the general election in November. (For some offices on the ballot)

Since I recognize exactly zero of the candidates for many of these offices, I tried something I’ve never done before. I asked Gemini AI to create a political profile of me based on my blog posts here on Jimmiejoe.com, and at AlternatingCurrents.net. I then had it compare the profile of me it created to the public information of some of these candidates, and suggest which ones best match my politics. On some of the suggestions, it was difficult to choose between the top candidates who it said matched.

Here’s what we have. Not all of the candidates I’ve chosen were chosen with AI help.

Governor: Becerra

He seems like the most likely Democrat to make it to the top two. We really don’t want the Republicans to win the Governorship because the Democrats sub-divided themselves into minorities. That accomplishes nothing. I did not use AI for this one.

Lieutenant Governor: Michael Tubbs

I did use AI here. “Compatibility: High

Why: Tubbs aligns most closely with your progressive social stances. As the former Mayor of Stockton, he focused on radical poverty reduction and equity. He has secured the endorsement of Planned Parenthood, indicating a strong alignment with the reproductive and gender-identity rights you advocate for. He is often viewed as the “boldest” progressive in the race, which matches your direct, “adversarial” tone regarding civil rights.

Potential Friction: He is a proponent of “Big Government” solutions (Guaranteed Basic Income), which might clash slightly with your skepticism of government data collection, though he generally focuses on social safety nets rather than surveillance.“

Secretary of State: Shirley Webber

I did not us AI here. She was the only Democrat listed on the ballot as a candidate.

Controller: Malia Cohen

I did not use AI here, either. Again, the only Democrat on the ballot for this office.

Treasurer: Anna M. Caballero

I did use AI for this office. Current Role: State Senator (Merced/Fresno/Salinas).

Match Score: High (90%)

Why She Fits: Senator Caballero has the strongest, most directly applicable record for your specific profile among the actual candidates.

Independent Streak: In a primary where endorsements are split, she represents a robust alternative to a candidate viewed purely as “establishment,” aligning with your potential preference for straightforward, dedicated service over political ambition.

LGBTQ+ Rights: She has a 100% legislative scorecard from Equality California, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the social liberalism you champion.

Evidence-Based Management: Coming from the Central Valley, her legislative work is deeply rooted in resource management (water, agriculture, housing). This experience translates well into an evidence-based approach to state fiscal management.

Attorney General: Rob Bonta

I did not use AI for this office. Bonta is the incumbent Democrat.

Insurance Commissioner: Jane Kim

I did use AI for this choice. “Current Role: Former San Francisco Supervisor.

Match Score: Moderate-High (82%)

Why She Fits: Kim is known for a more activist, reform-minded approach to governance. Her campaign is centered on “Disaster Insurance for All,” proposing a robust, state-run insurance plan to act as a public option, specifically to counter the non-transparent and market-failing actions of private insurers regarding wildfire and climate risks. This adversarial stance against secretive corporate data and market failure is a strong match for your profile’s preference for public accountability, though her solution is based on a “Big Government public option” rather than Rubio’s “transparency audit” approach.“

State Board of Equalization: Nelson Esparza

I did not use AI on this choice. Esparza is one of two Democrats, and I met him in person at an event in Visalia recently. He sat down and talked with me about the office, and about himself in general.

US House of Representatives, District 20: Sandra Van Scotter

I did not us AI here. She is the only Democrat on the ballot for this office. She will not win against Fong, the incumbent.

California State Senator, District 12: No vote. Only Republicans listed on the ballot.

California State Assembly, District 32: No vote. Only Republicans listed on the ballot.

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Nichelle M. Henderson

I did use AI for this office, as it is officially non-partisan and I am unfamiliar with any of the candidates.

Nichelle Henderson (Nonpartisan/Democrat)
Current Role: Los Angeles Community College District Trustee.

Compatibility: Very High (95%)

Why: Henderson is the top-ranked candidate for your profile because she has secured the official endorsement of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. This is the highest institutional seal of approval for a candidate’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in California. She also has the backing of major progressive and labor organizations. Her platform aligns with your defense of transgender youth against local school board “out policies.”

Tulare County Superintendent of Schools: Tim A. Hire

I did not use AI, as he is the only candidate listed on the ballot. He is the incumbent.

Tulare County Assessor/Clerk Recorder: Tara K. Freitas

I did not us AI, as she is the only candidate on the ballot, and is the incumbent.

Tulare County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector: Cass Cook

I did not use AI on this office, as she is the only candidate on the ballot, and is the incumbent.

So that’s how I’m sending in my ballot. I hope my choices make sense, even though Gemini AI gave me names of people not actually on the ballot until I corrected it. It’s true, AI programs can hallucinate, or come up with inaccurate information. Take anything any one of them says with a good-sized grain of salt.

Image by Gemini AI