Elections

Is she on track to be the first Democratic president from California? Here are nine ways that California shaped Kamala Harris and that Harris has shaped California.

As Democrats have panicked over President Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance and looked elsewhere for a potential replacement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is the talk of the town. But how would he fare on the national stage?

California voters will decide 10 propositions in November. Here’s what you need to know about them, how they got on the ballot and how direct democracy works in the state.

The governor withdraws the proposed ballot measure that he and Democratic legislative leaders just announced. He says he ran out of time to add amendments to ensure its success.

The health care industry put a measure on the November ballot that would raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from spending it on general government services. Billions of dollars are on the line.

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders put forward a ballot measure to compete with one that would roll back Proposition 47 and increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking. The Democrats’ proposal calls for a new felony for drug dealers who cut fentanyl into other drugs and for increased penalties for repeat thieves.

In late deals with Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders, proponents are pulling measures off the Nov. 5 ballot. But the Legislature may add others by next week.

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

Gov. Newsom vetoes a pared-back bill to expand voter registration that wasn't the automatic sign-up that supporters originally wanted. Instead, the proposal would create a “preapproved” list for registration.

The California Association of Realtors agrees not to oppose a constitutional amendment to reduce the voter approval threshold for housing bonds. In exchange, the measure will not apply to single-family homes. Some housing advocates are angry about the carve-out.