Elections

A U.S. lawmaker sits at a desk with a microphone during a congressional hearing. A nameplate reading “Rep. Issa” is visible on the desk in front of them, with wood-paneled seating and other officials in the background.

Politics

GOP Rep. Darrell Issa to retire rather than run in redrawn San Diego district

The 12-term congressman said Friday that he will not seek reelection in his new district, which was redrawn after Prop. 50 to favor Democrats.

By

Nadia Lathan

• March 6, 2026

A person in a blue suit speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk in a government hearing room, with nameplates visible on the desks and other people blurred in the background.

Politics

Would Sacramento voters send a Republican to Congress? Kevin Kiley is betting on it

Kiley's much-anticipated decision comes after Prop. 50 turned the two-term congressman's current district solidly Democratic and left him with no easy path to reelection.

By

Maya C. Miller

• March 5, 2026

Politics

How California Democratic candidates could sabotage their party’s race for governor

State Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks warned that the glut of Democrats currently in the governor’s race could split the primary vote and send two Republicans to the November ballot.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 4, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with their hands. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, and U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

For California Democrats, single-payer health care is back. Voters have heard it before

The progressive goal of single-payer health care has become a staple of Democratic platforms, even if it faces as many hurdles as ever.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 4, 2026

A person — with short honey-colored hair and wearing a peach pant suit — waves their hand in the air as they smile towards a crowds while standing behind a podium.

Politics

Nancy Pelosi takes final bow as California Democrats’ ‘forever speaker’

She's leaving Congress after 39 years, but Nancy Pelosi proved she can still command a room full of California Democrats like no one else.

By

Juliet Williams

• February 23, 2026

A large crowd gathers inside a spacious convention hall beneath a blue sign that reads “Welcome to the CADEM 2026 State Convention.” Attendees cluster in groups across the tiled floor, many wearing badges and blue shirts, talking, waiting, or looking toward a central area. The setting has tall stone-patterned walls, high ceilings, and wide doorways, giving the scene a formal conference atmosphere.

Politics

‘What the hell is going on?’: Democratic leaders clash over congressional endorsement

Sen. Mike McGuire accused Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks of trying to block his endorsement despite the backing of 74% of delegates.

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 23, 2026

Three people stand behind a set of tables at an event. The photo focuses on an individual wearing a navy pant suit as they reach for the chair behind them. The person next to them looks towards another person holding a microphone.

Politics

California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback

The California Democratic Party is betting that a tried-and-true playbook and standard-bearer candidates offer their best chance to take back the U.S. House in November’s midterms rather than fresh faces and more populist policy planks. The country’s largest state Democratic party endorsed a slate of aging congressional incumbents at its convention in San Francisco after […]

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 23, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with one raised finger. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, with U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

California Democrats can’t pick a favorite as 9 candidates vie to replace Newsom

Nine Democrats, one party endorsement, zero consensus. California's gubernatorial hopefuls woo delegates while anxiety grows about a GOP lockout.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 22, 2026

A projector displays a blue California Democrat Convention graphic as people can be seen protesting in the foreground.

Politics

Furious with Trump, California Democrats plot election strategy in San Francisco

In a pivotal election year that will serve as a referendum on the second Trump administration, California Democrats face pressure from activists on the left to abandon “radical civility” and instead back candidates who will push back hard against the GOP.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Jeanne Kuang

• February 19, 2026

A person speaks at a podium on a stage beneath blue lights, gesturing while addressing an audience in front of a large backdrop reading “Billionaire Tax Now” and “Vote Yes 11/3/26.”

Politics

Bernie Sanders warns of ‘billionaire class’ as California wealth tax fight intensifies

“They believe they have the divine right to rule,” U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders told a crowd in Los Angeles Wednesday night. A proposed ballot measure would tax billionaires' net worth by 5% for health care and schools, but top Democrats say it will drive them away.

By

Nigel Duara

• February 19, 2026