Elections

Steve Glazer, candidate for California controller, gives an interview at CalMatters in Sacramento on May 3, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Steve Glazer do as California controller?

In a 70-minute interview with CalMatters, state Sen. Steve Glazer, a Democrat running for California controller, says he knows "where the bodies are buried" from his legislative experience. And he vows to stand up to fellow Democrats in power so he can be an independent watchdog.

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 10, 2022

Abortion-rights supporters protest a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, at the Robert T. Matsui Courthouse in Sacramento on May 3, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Politics

California Democrats lean into abortion rights as ‘defining issue’

Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California Democrats are counting on abortion rights to drive their voters to the polls. But some may still care more about crime, homelessness and inflation.

By

Alexei Koseff

• May 5, 2022

Politics

What would Malia Cohen do as California controller?

Democrat Malia Cohen wants to expand the role of state controller and advance equity and diversity in the job. In an 80-minute interview with CalMatters, she says the state's COVID response proves the need to do better on both those goals.

By

Sameea Kamal

• May 2, 2022

People wear hats and pins in support of former President Donald Trump during the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on April 23, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Politics

Where’s Trump? A campaign fixture in some states, his name is nearly absent in California

Republican candidates across the country are appealing to voters by claiming their allegiance to Donald Trump. But in California, many won't even say if they voted for him.

By

Alexei Koseff

• April 28, 2022

Lanhee Chen, candidate for Controller, gives at interview at CalMatters in Sacramento on Apr. 5, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Lanhee Chen do as California controller?

In a 70-minute interview with CalMatters reporters, Lanhee Chen, the only Republican running for state controller, talks about his priorities and how he would work with Democrats in power.

By

Sameea Kamal

• April 27, 2022

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy speaks during the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on April 23, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Politics

Can California Republicans win statewide again?

California Republicans rally at their state convention, hoping to win a statewide office for the first time since 2006 and help the GOP retake control of Congress. But divisions between pro-Trump, conservative and traditional factions were difficult to ignore.

By

Sameea Kamal

and

Alexei Koseff

• April 25, 2022

Police officers escort people following a shooting at a church in Sacramento on Feb. 28, 2022. Crime is a key issue in the race for California attorney general. Photo by Fred Greaves, Reuters

Politics

Can a conservative break through for California attorney general?

Conservatives running for California attorney general make their case to break the Democratic stranglehold on statewide offices since 2006. Eric Early, Nathan Hochman and Anne Marie Schubert say that voters' concern over crime and public safety will help them unseat incumbent Rob Bonta.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 21, 2022

Nathan Hochman, candidate for California attorney general, answers questions from CalMatters reporters.p

Politics

What would Nathan Hochman do as California attorney general?

In a 70-minute interview, Nathan Hochman, a Republican former federal prosecutor, vows to end a "spiral of lawlessness" in California as he runs for attorney general. Hochman is seeking to finish in the top two in the June 7 primary against Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 19, 2022

Senator Brian Dahle, candidate for Governor of California, gives an interview to CalMatters in Sacramento on Apr. 5, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Brian Dahle do as California governor?

In a 90-minute interview, the farmer and state senator from Lassen County talks about crime, climate change and the cost of living, and vows to cooperate with Democrats.

By

Alexei Koseff

• April 18, 2022

Elections

The politics of violence: Will Sacramento shootings influence attorney general’s race?

The recent shootings that killed six in downtown Sacramento underscore the criminal justice divide in the race for California’s attorney general.

By

Nigel Duara

• April 13, 2022