What are California’s Republican Delegates Rules?

With the Republican National Convention approaching, the specter of a brokered convention looms like a mysterious cloud over the Presidential race. There’s been a lot of talk over not just who will have the most delegates beforehand, but if and how each state’s delegates could change sides. Here’s a rundown of the rules for California, and how it impacts the overall situation.

How many delegates are there? California has 172 delegates, the most of any state.

How many did each candidate win? California’s primary isn’t until June 7. Delegates will be apportioned after the results from the primary are in.

Who are they? Delegates are typically active party members or local leaders. Each state also has three delegates who are members of the Republican National Committee.

At what point can delegates switch candidates? In California, delegates are bound to their candidates for the first two ballots at the convention. If the nomination has not been decided after two rounds of voting, all delegates are free to support any candidate they choose.

What effect could this have on the convention? Most states release delegates from their candidates after the first ballot, making California’s whopping 172 delegates particularly important. While many delegates will be fair game for the various campaigns to pursue after one round of voting, each candidate can count on their delegates from California for a second ballot.