Shasta County to Host Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Election Transparency

Redding, CA – On Thursday, January 15, 2026, six grassroots candidates for California Governor will come together in Shasta County for a special candidate forum focused on election transparency and meaningful election reform. The event is being coordinated by the Take Our California Back Movement and the Shasta County Community.

The event, titled a “Take Our California Back” Governor Candidate Forum, will feature:

• Lewis Herms

• Scott Shields

• David Collenberg

• Leo Zacky

• Coby Marcum

• Daniel Mercuri

  
  

The forum will be moderated by conservative activist and podcast host Kim Yeater and election integrity advocate Dr. Douglas G. Frank.

These six candidates, all running outside the traditional political establishment, have joined forces to address what they describe as critical issues in California’s electoral process and to present their visions for restoring trust and accountability in government.

The free public event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church, located at 2570 S. Bonnyview Road, Redding, CA 96001. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Notes on California's jungle primary: California uses a unique election system known informally as the jungle primary (or officially as the nonpartisan blanket primary or top-two primary) for most statewide offices, U.S. congressional seats, and state legislative races, including the gubernatorial election.

How It Works

• Single Primary Ballot: All candidates for an office—regardless of party affiliation (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green, No Party Preference, etc.)—appear on the same ballot in the primary election.

• Voter Choice: Any registered voter can vote for any one candidate per office, with no restriction based on the voter's or candidate's party.

• Advancement Rule: The two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary advance to the November general election. This can result in:

  • Two candidates from different parties (most common).

  • Two candidates from the same party (e.g., two Democrats or two Republicans), which has happened in several races.

• No Party Nominees: Unlike traditional partisan primaries in most states, parties do not officially nominate candidates for these offices. The primary is purely about advancing the top vote-getters.

  
  

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 , with the general election in November.