Elections

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Politics

Where are the top U.S. Senate candidates raising their cash?

It’s the highest-profile race next year in California. This is where the leading candidates — Democrats Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff — are raising the most money.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• November 1, 2023

U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler, a Democrat from California, smiles during the weekly Senate Democrat leadership press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 4, 2023. Photo by Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA, Reuters

Politics

Laphonza Butler skips the U.S. Senate race: What you need to know

California’s new U.S. senator says she won’t seek a full term in 2024. She says she can better serve the state by focusing on key issues, not a campaign.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• October 19, 2023

Election workers collect ballots from voters turning them in at the Alameda County Ballot Drop Stop in Oakland on Nov. 8, 2022.

Politics

California Republicans buy into ‘ballot harvesting’

President Trump claims mail balloting is rife with fraud. But to win more elections, the state GOP is expanding its efforts to collect mail ballots to boost turnout.

By

Sameea Kamal

• October 18, 2023

RedistrictingPartners, the consulting firm hired to help the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission, share insights on the newly drawn political lines in Long Beach, during a commission meeting held at city hall, on Oct. 20, 2021. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Politics

Why California politicians will keep drawing their own election districts

Gov. Newsom vetoed the most sweeping bill to require cities and counties to create independent redistricting commissions. He cited budget concerns, but the bill's supporters aren't convinced.

By

Sameea Kamal

• October 11, 2023

Laphonza Butler during her swearing-in ceremony to the U.S. Senate at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on Oct. 3, 2023

Politics

Labor forged Laphonza Butler. Could unions ‘sling-shot’ her Senate bid?

If California's new U.S. senator runs in the 2024 election, she would likely have to court labor unions' support, quickly. But with three other labor-friendly Democrats already winning union backing, time and resources are running out.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• October 9, 2023

Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler speaks during a political event with reproductive rights groups at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington on June 23, 2023. Photo by Evelyn Hockstein. Reuters

Politics

How Laphonza Butler could reshape California’s U.S. Senate race

Gov. Newsom's pick to replace the late Dianne Feinstein is set to be sworn in today as California's U.S. senator. She isn't saying whether she will run next year, but if she does, it would change the dynamics of the U.S. Senate race.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• October 3, 2023

Laphonza Butler, President of EMILY's List, speaks during an event in Washington on June 23, 2023. Photo by Susan Walsh, AP Photo

Politics

Newsom picks Laphonza Butler, political ally and power player, to replace Feinstein

The governor says he's not stopping the president of EMILY's List and former University of California regent from running for a full term in the 2024 election. He rebuffed pressure to appoint Rep. Barbara Lee.

By

Alexei Koseff

• October 1, 2023

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