Elections

Voting stickers. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

Elections

Vote by mail? Better double-check that your ballot wasn’t rejected

Californians who used mail ballots might want to double-check online to make sure they counted—either a missing or a mismatched signature could void their vote.

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• November 9, 2018

Capitol

Dem domination: California Legislature is turning many shades of blue

The California Legislature, controlled by Democrats for decades, is likely to become even bluer when the new class is sworn in next month. That means the prevailing tension in the statehouse probably won’t be between Republicans and Democrats—but between different shades of liberalism. And it could make for some counterintuitive outcomes, once the results are tallied, including a Legislature that skews more toward business on some fights.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• November 9, 2018

photo of San Francisco skyline, illustrating the pressures of the local housing crisis. Photo Stephanie Vacher/Creative Commons

Economy

Explore the fate of local housing measures across California with our interactive map

California's housing crisis dominated ballots up and down the state. Here's a roundup of some of the most important local housing initiatives on the ballot, from an Airbnb ban in Lake Tahoe to efforts to rebuild the Wine Country after last year's fires.

By

Elizabeth Castillo

and

Matt Levin

• November 9, 2018

Incoming Chief of Staff Ann O'Leary, left, with Jennifer Siebel-Newsom and Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom

Elections

Gavin Newsom names top two staffers, bringing California and national experience to the top of his team

Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom announced his first two hires today, picking one leader who will give his inner circle deep experience in the state Capitol and another who will give it a strong national scope. Ann O’Leary, a senior policy advisor to Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential run, will serve as Newsom’s chief of staff, […]

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• November 9, 2018

Elections

Raging fires and mass shootings greet Governor-elect Newsom

Governor-elect Gavin Newsom may have hoped to ease into his new job as chief executive of the State of California, but with ballots still being counted, he was forced today to respond to a new mass shooting and a state once again on fire.

By

Ben Christopher

• November 8, 2018

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom opposes Proposition 10. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

Elections

Watch: Gov-Elect Newsom on the ‘success gap’ and what else ails California

In this 6-minute preview of his plans for California, Gov-Elect Gavin Newsom explains why he's a risk-taker and how he plans to fix what ails the state.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• November 8, 2018

The state prison officers' union is backing Tony Thurmond, right, in his race for schools chief against Marshall Tuck, left.

Education

So is California’s new schools chief Tuck or Thurmond? Why we don’t know yet

The race between Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond for state superintendent of public instruction has been a multi-million-dollar nailbiter. Election Day has come and gone, however, and the winner is days or maybe even weeks from being declared. Ditto for several congressional races and legislative seats that remained too close to call Wednesday. The reason: […]

By

Ricardo Cano

• November 7, 2018

Elections

New lieutenant governor Kounalakis makes statewide election history

Former ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis will become California’s first woman elected lieutenant governor, charging to victory over state Sen. Ed Hernandez in a race that pitted her campaign cash and diplomatic resume against his labor connections and legislative experience. The highest ranking among a record-setting three women to be elected Tuesday to California constitutional […]

By

Felicia Mello

• November 7, 2018

California Republicans gathered in San Diego for an election night celebration during which there was precious little to celebrate. Photo by Ben Christopher

Elections

“A Failing Franchise:” Is the California GOP doomed?

Sporting starred and striped jackets and “Make America Great Again” hats, the California Republicans who gathered on election night in the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego were in a remarkably chipper mood. They cheered when the results came in from Florida, showing the GOP candidate won the narrow race for governor. They lustily […]

By

Ben Christopher

• November 7, 2018

Elections

The rent control initiative just lost: What’s next for renters?

With the death of California's proposition to expand rent control, perhaps the bigger question is what incentive the landlords have to compromise at all.

By

Matt Levin

• November 7, 2018