ABC7 Eyewitness News Political Reporter Monica Madden examined whether the system is working as intended.
California switched to the top-two primary in 2012, promising less partisanship and more competitive races. But this year's crowded governor's contest really raised new questions.
Most states let political parties choose their nominees before the general election.
But in 2010, California voters approved a new system, giving everyone the same ballot, regardless of party.
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Most of the time, voters still get a Democrat-versus-Republican match-up -- but not always.
This year, fears of two Republicans advancing in the race for governor sent shockwaves, with Democratic leaders calling on lower-polling candidates to drop out.
At the time, that included Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra. Democrats eventually coalesced around Becerra after Eric Swalwell dropped out amid a scandal.
The entire fiasco reignited the debate over the top-two system.
"I think Democrats and Republicans should be thinking about changing this top-two primary system so that we don't have the potential for millions of Californians to be facing a general election without a candidate from their party on the ballot," said Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data.
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The sentiment has been felt -- from losing candidates to winning candidates.
"We need to end this top-two system and move back to something that will guarantee voters have a real choice that's what democracy is all about," said Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton.
But not everyone agrees.
Monica Madden: "Do you think the top two is having its intended effect?"
"I think it is. If you look at the California State Legislature, while it's dominated by Democrats, what we've seen over the years is two separate Democratic caucuses emerge: one that is much more traditionally progressive," said Political Analyst Dan Schnur. "And then, what it is, one which is also very left-leaning on social and cultural issues, but tends to be more willing to work with the business community and with job creators."
Whether voters will want to change the system in the next primary election cycle remains to be seen, but the debate over top-two is far from over.