Dan Walters

California scored high on the economy, mental health and children and families, but low on its labor force, inequality and the environment in a research project comparing states.

Odds are Xavier Becerra will win against Steven Hilton. Then as governor — and unlike Gavin Newsom — Becerra won't likely run for higher office while governing.

A union representing teachers and one representing health care workers took opposing stances on several ballot issues and with candidates for California governor.

As California's notoriously slow ballot counting continues, right-wing media and some Republicans are taking their lead from President Trump and claiming voter fraud, without any evidence.

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

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.

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.

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.

Gov. Newsom often brags about California's productivity and Nobel winners but omits its recent tech layoffs, shrinking jobs base and growing gaps between rich and poor.

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton appear to have commanding leads in the governor's race, according to new polling released just days before the primary election.