Elections

Elliot Lewis, CEO of Catalyst Cannabis Co., at one of their dispensary locations in Long Beach on May 27, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Politics

California’s next cannabis battle may be coming to a city near you

Some California cannabis companies are going directly to voters to get around local officials opposed to dispensaries. The epicenter for the effort is in Manhattan Beach and three nearby cities in Southern California.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 21, 2022

Voters fill out their ballots at a voting site at the Hamilton School gymnasium in central Fresno on June 7, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Politics

Topsy-turvy top-two: Is California primary system keeping its promises?

After 10 years, the top-two California primary system is under fire again, but the problems may have more to do with political gamesmanship. A strategy in a state Senate district appears to have backfired.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 13, 2022

Republican candidate for Controller Lanhee Chen outside of his office in Sacramento on Feb. 17, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Chen controls California controller race, but for how long?

Republican Lanhee Chen leads the California controller primary, but faces an uphill battle to win in November and break 16-year GOP drought for statewide office. His likely opponent is Malia Cohen, who has the support of labor and the Democratic Party.

By

Sameea Kamal

• June 10, 2022

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin addresses supporters in San Francisco on June 7, 2022. San Francisco residents voted to recall Boudin in a heated campaign that bitterly divided Democrats over crime, policing and public safety reform. AP Photo/Noah Berger

Politics

Chesa Boudin recall is not a death knell for California criminal justice reform

While San Francisco voters recalled progressive DA Chesa Boudin, other criminal justice reform proponents did well in the California primary. The message sent by voters was far more nuanced than the national narrative.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 9, 2022

A voter casts their ballot at a voting site at the California Museum in downtown Sacramento on June 7, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

California primary results: Who is advancing to November?

The June primary is when California voters choose the top two for governor, statewide offices, U.S House, Assembly members and some senators.

By

CalMatters Staff

• June 7, 2022

No party Candidate for Governor Michael Shellenberger is interviewed by CalMatters reporters on June 1, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Michael Shellenberger do as California governor?

In a 90-minute interview with CalMatters, Michael Shellenberger talks about why he left the Democratic Party, why he changed his mind on nuclear power and drug policy and how that would influence his plans as California governor

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 6, 2022

Democrat Jay Chen speaks with prospective voters at the 62nd Garden Grove Strawberry Festival while canvassing ahead of the Tuesday primary for the new 45th Congressional District on May 29, 2022. Photo by Bing Guan for CalMatters

Politics

As Asian American voters ascend, a key battle in Orange County

In California's June primary, two battleground U.S. House races in Orange County could come down to a runoff between Asian American candidates. Both parties are invested heavily in outreach to the community, a signal of the ascent of Asian American voting power in California.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 3, 2022

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Politics

Money wars: Special interests spend big in California primary

Independent expenditure committees funded by special interest groups are spending millions of dollars to make their picks in the California primary. In some races, they are clearly supporting or opposing candidates. In others, the strategy is more complicated.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 24, 2022

Ron Galperin, candidate for Controller, gives an interview at CalMatters in Sacramento on May 9, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Ron Galperin do as California controller?

In a 75-minute interview with CalMatters, Ron Galperin, a Democrat running for California controller, touts his experience as city controller in Los Angeles. He pledges to bring some of his innovations statewide and calls homelessness an existential crisis.

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 18, 2022

The State Capitol on Jan. 3, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

How much does Yvonne Yiu want to be California controller? Count the cash

In the crowded primary for California controller, Yvonne Yiu is betting that spending millions of her own money is her ticket to the top two. But the track record of self-funding candidates in statewide races is mixed.

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 16, 2022