Politics

How California Democratic candidates could sabotage their party’s race for governor

State Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks warned that the glut of Democrats currently in the governor’s race could split the primary vote and send two Republicans to the November ballot.

By Jeanne Kuang • March 4, 2026

A lawmaker wearing a blue navy suit and bright yellow tie stands in front of a microphone as they speak and gesture with their left hand.

Politics

Republicans blame Carl DeMaio for party division as his group rakes in millions

Carl DeMaio, a divisive state lawmaker, continues to upset his colleagues as he works to amass influence through his political organization, Reform California, one of the state’s biggest conservative fundraising machines.

By Nadia Lathan • March 4, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with their hands. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, and U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

For California Democrats, single-payer health care is back. Voters have heard it before

The progressive goal of single-payer health care has become a staple of Democratic platforms, even if it faces as many hurdles as ever.

By Jeanne Kuang • March 4, 2026

Politics

These public documents are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

The letters lobbyists submit to the Legislature are public documents, but they are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

By Ryan Sabalow • March 3, 2026

An aerial view of vehicles driving through a highway surrounded by farmland on both ends.

Politics

California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

California’s gas is so radioactive, even a bill to study alternatives is fraught. Rural officials are frustrated over the partisan fight because their local industries depend on well-maintained roads.

By Yue Stella Yu • March 2, 2026

The afternoon sun illuminates the backs of people standing outside a building holding red and white signs that say "ICE out of Escondido."

Politics

‘Tonight isn’t about bullets and targets. It’s about boundaries’: Residents denounce ICE contract

Despite hundreds of residents voicing their opposition to a contract with ICE to share the use of a police firing range, the Escondido City Council declined to cancel the agreement during a five-hour meeting on Wednesday night.

By Deborah Brennan • February 26, 2026

A group of demonstrators marches through a crosswalk at a city intersection, led by a person holding both a U.S. flag and a Mexican flag raised overhead. Several others carry Mexican flags and handmade protest signs, including messages such as “Families belong together,” “We are not criminals,” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Traffic lights and palm trees line the street, with mountains visible in the distance under a clear sky.

Politics

As Escondido debates contract with ICE, other local officials weigh whether to cooperate on immigration enforcement

Critics are urging Escondido to cancel its long-standing contract allowing ICE to use the city’s police firing range, as local governments across San Diego County differ over how much to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement under California Values Act.

By Deborah Brennan • February 24, 2026

A person — with short honey-colored hair and wearing a peach pant suit — waves their hand in the air as they smile towards a crowds while standing behind a podium.

Politics

Nancy Pelosi takes final bow as California Democrats’ ‘forever speaker’

She's leaving Congress after 39 years, but Nancy Pelosi proved she can still command a room full of California Democrats like no one else.

By Juliet Williams • February 23, 2026

A large crowd gathers inside a spacious convention hall beneath a blue sign that reads “Welcome to the CADEM 2026 State Convention.” Attendees cluster in groups across the tiled floor, many wearing badges and blue shirts, talking, waiting, or looking toward a central area. The setting has tall stone-patterned walls, high ceilings, and wide doorways, giving the scene a formal conference atmosphere.

Politics

‘What the hell is going on?’: Democratic leaders clash over congressional endorsement

Sen. Mike McGuire accused Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks of trying to block his endorsement despite the backing of 74% of delegates.

By Maya C. Miller • February 23, 2026

Three people stand behind a set of tables at an event. The photo focuses on an individual wearing a navy pant suit as they reach for the chair behind them. The person next to them looks towards another person holding a microphone.

Politics

California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback

The California Democratic Party is betting that a tried-and-true playbook and standard-bearer candidates offer their best chance to take back the U.S. House in November’s midterms rather than fresh faces and more populist policy planks. The country’s largest state Democratic party endorsed a slate of aging congressional incumbents at its convention in San Francisco after […]

By Maya C. Miller • February 23, 2026