Elections

A person in glasses and a jacket stares into the distance, seated next to vegetation. At the bottom of the frame are pieces of a plate poking into it, with one stem passing through the center. The person has rays of golden sunlight shining through one side of their body.

Politics

Young California Democrats are challenging veteran House members in safe blue seats

The recent retirements of Nancy Pelosi and other longtime House Democrats have led to more calls for aging members to pass the torch. Incumbents argue their experience is crucial as the executive branch is upending the balance of power in Washington.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 28, 2025

A person wearing glasses 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

Democrat Eric Swalwell joins crowded California governor’s race to succeed Gavin Newsom

The seven-term congressmember is running on protecting Californians from the Trump administration and from rising prices. While he’s developed a reputation as a professional GOP antagonist, the challenge will be proving he has what it takes to deliver on the elusive affordability promise.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 21, 2025

A person in a blue suit speaks into a microphone while standing on a stage in front of a crowd of people during a campaign rally with a sign behind him that says “TOM 2020.”

Politics

Billionaire activist Tom Steyer joins race to succeed Newsom as California governor

Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer raised his profile as a foe to President Donald Trump when he spent $13 million on ads touting Proposition 50. Now, Steyer is jumping in the 2026 California governor's race.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 19, 2025

A person stands at a podium with a sign reading “Defending Democracy” during a press conference, flanked by others and California state flags in the background.

Politics

Democrat Mike McGuire challenges GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa for new Prop. 50 seat

McGuire, who terms out of the Legislature next year, hopes to capitalize on Democrats’ new voter registration advantage in LaMalfa’s post-Prop. 50 district to flip a congressional seat from red to blue. His launch video appears to preemptively address the criticism that he’s out of touch with rural Californians.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 13, 2025

Two people talk to each other near a wall with various political lawn signs, including a red "No on Prop. 50" sign, on it.

Politics

Increasingly irrelevant, California’s Republican Party is even more isolated after Prop. 50

In recent years, California Republicans wielded far more influence in Congress than in the state Legislature, thanks to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But since his ouster, and now under Prop. 50 maps, the GOP is increasingly isolated.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 7, 2025

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi makes remarks at a political event held by pro choice groups in Washington D.C. on June 23, 2023.

Politics

Rep. Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after 38 years in Congress

Her retirement, which comes amid Democrats’ cries for a new generation of leadership, sets the stage for a showdown between a progressive challenger and a well-known moderate state senator.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 6, 2025

Politics

Gavin Newsom ‘light years ahead’ in 2028 Democratic field after Prop. 50 win

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been looking for a way to win national attention. Proposition 50 puts him “light-years ahead.”

By

Jeanne Kuang

• November 6, 2025

A black and white lawn sign, that says "Vote" in both English and Spanish, is placed near a sidewalk where people wait in line to enter a vote center.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50 just passed. Here’s what happens next

California voters passed Gov. Gavin Newsom's Proposition 50, which will tilt the state's congressional districts toward Democrats in the 2026 election. Now comes the scramble: Who runs where?

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 5, 2025

Two people cross the street as they pass several small lawn signs indicating the location of a nearby vote center.

Politics

Proposition 50 passed in California. Here’s what you missed

California voters backed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw congressional districts in favor of Democrats. It was a big night for him in his rivalry with President Donald Trump.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Maya C. Miller

• November 5, 2025

The back of a person, with short curly hair and wearing camouflage-patterned cargo pants, as they stand in front of row of white voting booths as they fill out their ballot.

Elections

See how Californians voted on Proposition 50

California counties are reporting results for Proposition 50, Gov. Gavin Newsom's ballot measure to tilt the 2026 election map in favor of Democrats.

By

Mohamed Al Elew

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• November 4, 2025