Elections

Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of supporters during the California GOP Fall 2023 Convention at Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim on Sept. 29, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Politics

Trump to California Republicans: ‘No way we lose this state in a real election’

The former president railed against Democrats and again claimed the 2020 election was rigged in his speech to the California Republican Party. With him skipping the primary debates, the party convention may get the next best thing, with speeches also by Sen. Tim Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

By

Sameea Kamal

• September 29, 2023

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California., speaks during a hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 3, 2021. Photo by Greg Nash/Pool Photo via AP

Politics

With the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whom will Newsom appoint?

The death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein means that Gov. Newsom has to decide who will fill her seat. He has said he would appoint a caretaker, not one of the three Democrats who are already running.

By

Alexei Koseff

• September 29, 2023

The California Republican Party Convention in Sacramento on March 11, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

Why California Republicans are facing a moment of truth

GOP leaders and activists will hear Friday from Donald Trump and other presidential candidates before deciding whether to change the party platform on abortion and same-sex marriage.

By

Sameea Kamal

• September 28, 2023

An ambulance owned by the private company American Medical Response at Natividad Hospital in Salinas. Photo by Vern Fisher, Monterey Herald via Bay Area News Group

Politics

Why a Colorado ambulance company wants to limit California taxes

American Medical Response has poured more than $3 million into a November 2024 initiative to raise requirements for levying taxes and fees. The company says it’s looking out for patients, but local officials say it’s about the money.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 24, 2023

Illustration by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters; iStock

Housing

California could borrow a record-breaking $35 billion to tackle the housing crisis. Will voters go along?

Three of the biggest housing bonds in state history are bound for the 2024 ballot. But with no shortage of crises facing the state, California can only borrow so much and voters may succumb to “bond fatigue.”

By

Ben Christopher

• August 3, 2023

Elections

What happened to the big changes to California elections?

The most sweeping bills to change California elections got shelved in the Legislature. Instead, lawmakers are focusing on ballot measure language, local redistricting, voting integrity and campaign finance tweaks before the 2024 election.

By

Sameea Kamal

• July 12, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

U.S. Senate hopefuls sweet-talk Democratic faithful

U.S. Senate contenders Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff tried to win over activists at the California Democratic Party convention. Party delegates and elected leaders also honored former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 30, 2023

Elections

California election results: The most interesting numbers

After a flurry of called races, victories proclaimed and concessions offered across 52 congressional districts, 100 state Assembly and Senate contests, nine statewide races for constitutional offices and seven propositions on the California ballot, it can be hard to wrap your head around what exactly happened. Fortunately, we’ve boiled it down to a few pictures […]

By

Ben Christopher

• November 18, 2022

Felicia Gold casts her ballot at the California Museum on election day on Nov. 8, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr, CalMatters

Politics

How California could count every vote faster

California has expanded voting access and participation, but that can delay election results. Are there ways to count votes faster without undermining election security?

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Sameea Kamal

• November 17, 2022

Capitol

Why this will be the most diverse California Legislature ever

With the final votes being counted, the new Legislature that takes office Dec. 5 will include the most women and LGBTQ members ever. Advocacy groups are already celebrating, but how much difference will the diversity make in policy?

By

Ariel Gans

and

Sameea Kamal

• November 14, 2022