Aim High, Stay Engaged, and Secure Republican Representation in November

As California continues under its top-two primary system, Republican voters in Merced

County have a clear strategic opportunity: ensure strong Republican representation in the general election, no matter how the primary breaks.

Across key races including the Governor’s race, California’s 13th Congressional District, and State Senate District 4, our focus must remain on turnout, voter registration, and disciplined participation. These are the tools that determine whether Republicans advance to November and remain competitive in the final election.

Understanding the opportunity before us

In California’s top-two system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election—regardless of party.

This creates a unique and powerful opportunity for Republican voters:

• In the strongest outcome, two Republican candidates advance, giving voters in November a choice between two Republican visions.

• In another strong outcome, one Republican advances alongside a Democrat, ensuring Republican representation in the general election and a direct opportunity to compete for victory.

Both outcomes are positive when they result from strong Republican participation in the primary and disciplined grassroots engagement.

A strategy of strength, not division

Kevin Lincoln has received the formal endorsement of the Republican Party of Merced County. At the same time, Vin Kruttiventi has received strong support from the Merced County Republican Assembly (MCRA), reflecting the energy and engagement of grassroots activists across our county.

These dynamics should be understood not as division, but as evidence of an active and motivated Republican electorate. In a competitive primary, voters may support different candidates, but the shared objective remains the same: ensuring Republican strength in November.

A positive path forward

Republican voters should approach this primary with confidence and purpose:

• If the vote produces two Republican candidates in November, we will have the opportunity to consolidate behind the strongest path to victory in the general election.

• If the vote produces one Republican candidate, we will unite behind that candidate and compete directly against the Democrat.

• These are wins either way.

Either outcome represents success when achieved through strong Republican turnout, organization, and engagement.

The key is not limiting our ambitions, but maximizing our participation.

The role of participation

Success in California’s top-two system is built on fundamentals:

• Registering new Republican voters

• Encouraging early and consistent ballot return

• Voting early and tracking ballot completion

• Knocking on doors and engaging neighbors

• Strengthening turnout operations in every precinct

These efforts determine whether Republicans advance and how strong our position will be in November. 

Conclusion

Our goal is simple: maximize Republican representation in the general election and position our party to win in November.

Whether that means one Republican advancing or two Republican candidates advancing, both outcomes are successful when achieved through organization, participation, and unity of purpose.

The Chairs, Presidents, and leaders of Republican and conservative organizations must lead by example, driving voter registration, promoting get-out-the-vote efforts, encouraging early voting, and supporting door-to-door outreach. We must also actively support and defend our endorsed candidates, especially in races where only one Republican advances to the general election.

The strength of our party is built on action, not observation and victory comes from participation at every level.  

-- Gene D. Johnson Jr., Chair, Republican Party of Merced County