Elections

Billionaire activist Tom Steyer, who unleashed a national ad blitz calling for the impeachment of President Trump, was a featured speaker at the California Democratic Party's convention. Photo by Chris Stone, courtesy of TimesOfSanDiego.com

Elections

Tom Steyer wants to fix American politics by making it Californian

Ballot referenda, term limits, voting by mail. If the ideas of the newest presidential contender sound familiar, you might be a Californian.

By

Ben Christopher

• July 11, 2019

Red pushpin showing the location of a destination point on a map. California: Legislators are considering two bills that would place new districting rules on local governments.

Politics

State may push cities and counties to draw “fairer” districts

The Supreme Court has given lawmakers the greenlight to gerrymander, but two California bills could drive the state even further in the other direction.

By

Ben Christopher

• July 9, 2019

Elections

A million independent voters risk being irrelevant in California’s presidential primary

Presidential challengers hoping to glide to victory through California’s newly relevant primary, a heads-up: Your electoral fate may hinge on convincing enough left-leaning millennials to send postcards over the winter holiday season.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 19, 2019

Delegates at the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco snap selfies with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's once again seeking the party's nomination for president. Photo by Elizabeth Castillo for CALmatters

Elections

California Democrats loudly lean left—but quietly make a safe choice

California's Democratic convention delegates cheered presidential contenders who said there was no middle group on climate change, single-payer health care and other progressive goals, and jeered at two moderates who disagreed—booing one for saying "socialism is not the answer." But as the party elected a new chairman and turned its attention to the 2020 election, they made what many considered a "safe choice."

By

Ben Christopher

• June 2, 2019

Democratic delegates rally in the downstairs lobby at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco where California Democrats held their convention this weekend. Photo by Ben Christopher for CALmatters

Elections

Cal Dems pick labor leader as chairman—plus convention highs and lows

For the second time in a row, the California Democratic Party favored a labor-backed candidate from Los Angeles to be its chairman—although tonight’s (not-yet-certified) win for Rusty Hicks was by a stronger margin than many expected. The preliminary totals showed labor leader Hicks garnering 57% of the vote, and he claimed victory, telling supporters: “I’m […]

By

Elizabeth Castillo

and

Ben Christopher

• June 1, 2019

California's move to near the front of the 2020 primary season is altering the campaign. USA flag with palm trees and sunset in the background.

Elections

Californians can be nation’s first to cast 2020 primary ballots—and that’s shaking up presidential race

In the first vital weeks of the primary season, candidates will be wooing a population that is more diverse, more urban and much bigger than they have in the past. That's thanks to California.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 31, 2019

President Donald Trump on the campaign trail. Photo by Michael Vadon

Elections

Can they do that? California Dems again try to force Trump to show his taxes

California Democrats are advancing a bill that would require any presidential candidate (see: Donald Trump) to disclose his tax returns if they want to make it onto the state primary ballot next year. Good blue state politics—but is it legal?

By

Ben Christopher

• May 6, 2019

Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris points off camera as she greets members of organized labor at a conference in downtown Sacramento, April 1, 2019.

Elections

Kamala Harris backs idea to unionize child care workers

It was a brief, unscripted moment for the presidential candidate in what was to be a fairly conventional campaign stop. But it was a notable one.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 1, 2019

Voting Center in Sacramento Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

Elections

Diminishing returns: Is California running out of ways to lead voters to the polls?

Assemblyman Evan Low wants to make election day a state holiday—the latest in a string of Democratic proposals Would it bring more Californians to the polls or have state lawmakers run out of obstacles to knock down between the voter and the ballot box?

By

Ben Christopher

• March 28, 2019

Elections

Could the path of a GOP revolt against Trump run through east Los Angeles?

A quirk in the Republican Party's nominating process gives outsized influence to its voters in the bluest districts. Will they stay with Trump?

By

Ben Christopher

• March 7, 2019