California has 54 electoral votes. Here's how the Electoral College works for the state.
As the most populous state in the U.S. — more than 39.5 million people, according to the 2020 U.S. Census — California has the most electoral votes of any state at 54.
It represents a significant prize for presidential candidates in their quest to secure 270 electoral votes, a majority of the 538 in the Electoral College.
For more than three decades, California's electoral votes have gone to the Democratic Party's presidential candidate — the last time the state awarded them to a Republican was to George H.W. Bush over Democrat Michael Dukakis in 1988.
Here's how the Electoral College will work for California in the 2024 presidential election.
How many electoral votes does California have?
Out of the 538 electoral votes, California has 54. The formula determining the number of Electoral College votes is the number of U.S. senators — each state has two — along with the state's number of members in the House of Representatives, which in California is 52.
Following the 2020 Census, California lost a seat in Congress for the first time in its 170 years of statehood, due to slower migration to the nation's most populous state.
California's allotment of 54 Electoral College votes is in effect for the 2024 and 2028 presidential elections.
Who will the electors vote for?
California, like most other states, is a "winner-take-all" state, where all 54 electors will go to the winner of the statewide popular vote.
Who are the electors?
According to the California Secretary of State's Office, each party's nominee must file a list containing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the 54 electors pledged to the nominee by Oct. 1 of the election year. Each party has its own method for selecting electors.
Article II, section 1 clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that "no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector."
When will the electors vote?
The electors from all 50 states will gather in December to vote for the President.