Election 2026: Latest News, Top Stories & Analysis

A person — with slick-back dark hair and wearing a blue suit — stands in front of stand with several microphones on it as they speak during a press conference in front of a courthouse.

Politics

Democrats are eager to flip Issa’s seat. But his Republican successor is a ‘formidable opponent’

In the run-up to the June primary, Democrats are still divided on which candidate would give them their best shot to flip a closely watched House seat.

By

Nadia Lathan

and

Deborah Brennan

• April 6, 2026

Two people sit on chairs set up on a small stage overlooking a crowd. The person on the left wears a gray suit blazer with a white shirt, and the person on the right wears a navy suit blazer with a white shirt. Banners with images of rural life can be seen behind them.

Politics

Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy

Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 2, 2026

People wait in line on the sidewalk of a light brown building during election day. Some people hold their ballot envelops in their hands.

Politics

California media outlets demand access to secret warrants in sheriff’s ballot seizure case

A judge sealed the warrants allowing a sheriff to seize 600,000 ballots. News organizations say the public has a right to see what's in them.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Jeanne Kuang

• April 1, 2026

Politics

California governor’s race: See the candidates’ incomes and tax payments

Here’s a snapshot of the top candidates for governor’s incomes and taxes. Billionaire Tom Steyer dwarfs them all.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 28, 2026

A close-up view of a person's hand inserting a stack of ballots into a counting machine.

Politics

Judge rejects Green Party candidate’s bid to appear on California governor ballots

A Sacramento judge on Thursday rejected a Green Party candidate’s lawsuit against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office seeking to get on the June primary ballot for governor, concluding that he did not file the correct tax returns in time to qualify. Rudolph “Butch” Ware, an associate professor of history at UC Santa Barbara […]

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 26, 2026

The light of a television camera illuminates a person, as they speak into a reporter's microphone and look directly at the camera. The person wears a white shirt with a gold sheriff's badge on it while surrounded by people holding political signs behind them.

Politics

California sheriff says his seizure of more than 600,000 ballots is ‘normal law enforcement’

Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco says it's coincidence he got a California ballot seizure warrant from a judge who praised him and whom he endorsed in 2022.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 26, 2026

A person with a mustache and a sheriff’s uniform speaks at a podium, saying, “Safety Over Sanctuary.” In the background is a row of people dressed professionally and listening to the speech.

Politics

Court denies California’s bid to halt Riverside sheriff’s recount of 2025 election ballots

Chad Bianco, a Republican sheriff running for governor, seized 2025 ballots for a voter fraud investigation. California is asking a court to halt the inquiry.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

and

Jeanne Kuang

• March 24, 2026

A blue sign advertising gas prices from $5.99 to $6.39 per gallon towers over a clear blue sky at a gas station.

Politics

Some California Democrats pitch gas price relief as prices at the pump soar

Experts say the latest gas price spike is driven by global oil markets and the Iran conflict, while California’s higher base price stems from refinery closures, the state’s market and environmental rules.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Alejandro Lazo

• March 18, 2026

CalMatters California Voter Guide 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Elections

Get ready for California’s 2026 primary. Your questions about voting, answered

Where do I vote? Am I registered to vote? Does everyone get a ballot in the mail? Answers to your election day questions ahead of June 2.

By

CalMatters Staff

• March 13, 2026

The top of a unidentifiable person's head as they stand in front of a voting booth. The person wears a black hat, red shirt and brown shorts.

Politics

Voter ID could be headed to the California ballot. Opponents plan to make it about Trump

A voter ID ballot initiative is gaining momentum in California as opponents aim to mount a campaign focused on President Donald Trump’s push for similar nationwide requirements.

By

Nadia Lathan

• March 10, 2026