California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A person stands at a podium smiling while speaking to a crowd, with large teal campaign signage in the background reading “Becerra for Governor.”

What election night results mean in the race for California’s next governor

Xavier Becerra seems almost certain to advance in the governor's race, given pre-election polls and initial vote counts. If Republican Steve Hilton joins him, Becerra would likely have an easy win in November.

By Dan Walters

A person speaks at a podium in a red pantsuit, on stage, surrounded by a crowd holding signs that read “Vote Karen Bass.” In the background is a banner reading “TOGETHER” in orange text.

The mayoral showdown that benefits Karen Bass doesn’t really benefit Los Angeles voters

Karen Bass may get the opponent she hoped for if results in the L.A. mayoral primary hold. But facing off against Spencer Pratt won't offer much substantive debate.

By Jim Newton

A side-view of a person with short gray hair and wearing a black blazer, as look towards another person. A stage with red, blue curtains and a banner that reads "Voters Decide" can be seen in the background, alongside blurred people.

Mahan, Villaraigosa just learned why so few California mayors make the leap to governor

Few California mayors ever become governor. Their skills might be perfectly suited to the job, but those exact same skills, when exercised, may be precisely what makes voters wary of them.

By Robert Greene

A person wearing a baseball cap and a pink scarf over a white shirt places yellow flowers on a pile of other flowers on the concrete outside of a detention center. The person is inside a circle of people during a vigil around a flagpole outside the detention center.

Long after protests ended, this interfaith group rallies to remember LA immigrants taken by ICE

An interfaith group known as the "godmothers of the disappeared" meets weekly at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles to remember and advocate for the people detained by immigration authorities over the last year.

By George B. Sánchez-Tello

Drug test cups at the Opiate Treatment Outpatient Program at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center on July 20, 2023. OTOP uses innovative methods like reward incentives to combat substance abuse and addiction. Photo by Mark Leong for CalMatters

Commentary

Californians fighting addiction need help finding care. Budget cuts threaten a digital lifeline

Many Californians suffering from addiction struggle to find evidence-based treatment. A tool that helps them find care is at risk of losing state funding.

By David Sheff • June 6, 2026

A wide-view from above of a legislative room filled with lawmakers sitting at their desks. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The room is decorated with beige walls, mint-color columns, gold fixtures and a lime green carpet.

Commentary

This anti-tax ballot measure could sap local housing funds. California lawmakers need to act

An anti-tax backlash resulted in a November ballot measure that could hamstring the finances of every jurisdiction in California. Capitol leaders must strike a deal with proponents to pull it from the ballot.

By Brian Hanlon • June 5, 2026

A person stands at a podium smiling while speaking to a crowd, with large teal campaign signage in the background reading “Becerra for Governor.” Four other people stand on the left side of stage as they look towards the speaker.

Commentary

If California’s race for governor is a stress test for democracy, it’s failing

The top-two primary system can produce chaos and disengaged voters. This year’s picks for governor are coming from a small share of voters.

By Daniel Wolf • June 5, 2026

Traffic moves along the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2022. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s population is stagnating as immigration and birth rates decline

California's population is stagnating as birth rates and immigration decline. The plateau's impacts will extend far beyond politics.

By Dan Walters • June 5, 2026

A healthcare worker in blue scrubs performs a finger-prick blood test on a patient inside a mobile clinic exam room.

Commentary

Medi-Cal cuts, tax increases loom as Capitol lawmakers dicker over the budget

The California constitution requires lawmakers adopt a new budget by June 15, leaving little time for state leaders to resolve billions of dollars in budget differences.

By Dan Walters • June 4, 2026

Voters cast their ballots for Super Tuesday at City Hall in San Francisco on March 5, 2024. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters

Commentary

After 250 years, the right to vote is at risk. California must do more to protect it

The California Voting Rights Act transformed democracy statewide. But gaps remain, and new pressures at the federal and state levels will require another generation to bolster voting rights.

By Christian Arana • June 2, 2026

The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California’s unemployment insurance morass will become the next governor’s problem

California's payroll taxes aren’t keeping up with benefit payouts. The unemployment insurance fund will be $22 billion in the hole by year's end, the state says.

By Dan Walters • June 2, 2026