California Proposition 5, a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot, would eliminate simultaneous successor elections in state officer recalls, leaving vacancies to be filled under existing succession rules or special elections, with the lieutenant governor assuming the governorship in most cases. Trader consensus slightly favoring rejection at 52.5% reflects opposition from groups such as Reform California, which argue the change diminishes direct voter input on replacements and protects incumbents, alongside support from organizations including the League of Women Voters and Common Cause emphasizing reduced costs and greater legitimacy through majority-backed successors. The measure stems from legislative hearings following the 2021 recall attempt, yet the absence of recent statewide polling, limited high-profile endorsements, and competition from other ballot measures sustain the narrow contest. Key factors that could shift odds include emerging survey data, major party or candidate positions, or campaign spending patterns ahead of the general election.