Elections

A photo collage illustration in a blue and yellow tone of Kamala Harris holding a microphone in the foreground surrounded by different images and textures in the background including jail bars, a police car with sirens, justice scales, a court document and a "for rent" sign.

Elections

What 9 cases from Kamala Harris’ past say about her record as a California prosecutor

Was the former California attorney general and San Francisco DA too soft on crime? Or too tough? Her critics are quick to label her, but the reality isn't so simple.

By

Nigel Duara

• August 15, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom, surrounded by a crowd of reporters, speaks in the spin room after a presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. Photo by John Bazemore, AP Photo

Elections

Gavin Newsom, once Biden’s biggest cheerleader, inches into the Kamala Harris campaign

California’s governor stood by President Biden to the bitter end, but is taking a less visible role in the Harris campaign so far. His speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention could signal how prominent he will be until Election Day.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 14, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wave their hands surrounded by a crowd of supporters waving placards in support of their presidential bid.

Elections

Republicans target Kamala Harris’ ‘California-ness.’ Do swing-state voters care?

The vice president must defend her California roots and record against attacks by the Trump campaign. Voters and politicians in the swing states of Michigan and Arizona say that may not be the deciding factor.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• August 9, 2024

A young person stands in the doorway of a Little Hotel Tokyo, surrounded by red and white signs.

Elections

TikTok, Brat and Kamala Harris: Will newly fired-up young voters flip elections in California?

Young voters in California and across the country are excited about Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats are trying to capitalize, counting on a surge at the polls to win key congressional races.

By

Matthew Reagan

and

Jenna Peterson

• August 8, 2024

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stands at a podium, in front of a row of American flags during her first campaign event as a candidate for president.

Elections

Deep-blue California is a piggy bank for Kamala Harris — and Donald Trump. How they’re trying to cash in

Kamala Harris is bringing back Democratic donors who soured on President Biden. Donald Trump is counting on V.P. pick JD Vance to raise money in Silicon Valley.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• July 26, 2024

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris looks on as Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Delaware on Aug. 12, 2020. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

Elections

California Democratic delegates, with more sway in wild election, rally behind Harris

With President Joe Biden announcing today he won’t seek reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, some California Democratic delegates quickly went along. Gov. Gavin Newsom also endorsed Harris.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Jeanne Kuang

• July 21, 2024

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi applauds as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Feb. 7, 2023. Photo by Jacquelyn Martin via Reuters

Politics

Why Nancy Pelosi was key to nudging Biden out: ‘For her, it’s all about winning’

Lea esta historia en Español When the dam of discontented Democrats calling upon President Joe Biden to suspend his flagging presidential campaign finally broke last week, Rep. Nancy Pelosi was standing at the floodgates. Pelosi stepped down from being speaker of the House in 2022. Technically, that makes her a mere congressional backbencher from San […]

By

Ben Christopher

• July 21, 2024

President Joe Biden speaks to community leaders at the Vote to Live Action Fund's 2024 Prosperity Summit in North Las Vegas, on July 16, 2024. Photo by Susan Walsh, AP Photo

Politics

Which California Democrats want President Joe Biden to drop out of the election?

Adam Schiff and other California Democrats have urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the November election after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump.

By

CalMatters Staff

• July 19, 2024

Politics

Gavin Newsom is ‘all in’ for Biden as defections grow. He’s playing the ‘long game’

A growing number of Democrats are saying President Biden can’t win and should step aside. But California’s governor is standing steadfastly behind him — and that could boost Newsom’s future political prospects.

By

Alexei Koseff

• July 19, 2024

President Joe Biden, left, stands on stage with Rep. Mike Levin, right, and his wife Chrissy, center, after Biden spoke at a campaign rally in San Diego on Nov. 3, 2022. Photo by Patrick Semansky, AP Photo

Elections

As more California Democratic reps ask Biden to drop out, those in key districts face a pivotal choice

Democrats in key swing House districts face a pivotal choice: Whether or not to back President Biden. Many are staying silent, but they’re under more pressure after U.S. Senate candidate Adam Schiff called on Biden to drop out.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• July 18, 2024