Elections

A Californian on the 2020 presidential ticket? Here’s what state insiders say

The latest conventional wisdom among among state political insiders: There's a good chance a Californian will be on the presidential ticket in 2020, and that Californian is likely to be Democratic U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris.

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• October 12, 2018

Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox are in a match-up to replace outgoing California Gov. Jerry Brown.

Elections

Video: Newsom and Cox reveal how they would run California differently than Gov. Brown

See Gavin Newsom and John Cox explain how they would run California differently than Gov. Brown—and make decisions on climate change policies, housing, schools and crime. Plus: book recommendations and hardest thing they've done.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• October 12, 2018

Ammar Campa-Najjar stands beside President Donald Trump

Elections

Majority Report: “Do you think your father met with a terrorist sympathizer?” edition

In California congressional campaign news this week: Campa-Najjar spars with Trump Jr., Nunes gets some Freedom medal buzz, and a debate highlighted big differences between McClintock versus Morse. Here’s a quick recap of what happened this week across California’s 53 congressional districts:

By

Ben Christopher

• October 12, 2018

Colorful residential row houses of San Francisco with a view of downtown San Francisco skyscrapers in the distance.

Elections

Proposition 1: What to know about a $4 billion bond for housing, in under a minute

California’s sky high housing costs have made it onto this year’s ballot: The state is asking voters to consider a bond that would allow $4 billion to be used on affordable housing. The money would be used to build more apartments near urban areas and public transit. CALmatters’ Byrhonda Lyons and Felicia Mello break down […]

By

Felicia Mello

and

Byrhonda Lyons

• October 11, 2018

Republican John Cox, a businessman from the San Diego area, faces tough odds in his campaign to be California's next governor. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP

Elections

Eternal optimist: John Cox, distruster of politicians, keeps bidding to become one

In nearly half a dozen political campaigns, John Cox has embraced the persona of the anti-politician assailing a corrupt establishment. He's never come close to winning. But in 2018, the Republican iconoclast has finally become a contender.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 10, 2018

Elections

As complaints mount about fire clean-up, disaster contractor gives big money to California Dems

A Florida-based company accused of botching the clean-up after last year’s devastating fires in Santa Rosa has jumped into California politics, writing big checks to Gavin Newsom’s gubernatorial campaign and the California Democratic Party.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• October 9, 2018

Diane Harkey speaks on the Assembly floor.

Elections

Trump’s choice falters in San Diego congressional race

In August, President Donald Trump tweeted an endorsement of Diane Harkey to replace Republican Congressman Darrell Issa: “Diane is strong on crime, loves our Military & Vets-has my total Endorsement!” Evidently, that’s not playing well in the changing district that includes north San Diego County and part of Orange County.

By

Dan Morain

• October 9, 2018

Tempers are still hot after the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Photo by Mobilus in Mobili via Flickr

Elections

Political insiders: Don’t expect a major “Kavanaugh effect” in California midterms

What will be the California repercussions from the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh? We asked the insiders.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 9, 2018

California voters will decide whether to repeal a 12-cent-per-gallon gas tax being used to finance construction and repairs for roads and highways.

Elections

Proposition 6: What to know about the gas tax repeal, in under a minute

What is Proposition 6? Here's a quick look at a measure on the November ballot that would repeal a recent hike to the California gas tax.

By

Ben Christopher

and

Byrhonda Lyons

• October 8, 2018

The debate between Gavin Newsom, left, and John Cox, right, moderated by Scott Shafer of KQED this morning. Pool photo by Jeff Chiu

Elections

John Cox and Gavin Newsom meet for only scheduled debate, disagree about…pretty much everything

Candidates for California governor Gavin Newsom and John Cox squared off in their only scheduled debate. An hour. On the radio. At 10 a.m. On a federal holiday. Here's what you might have missed.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 8, 2018