Elections

Various political buttons displayed on a round wooden tray. The photo focuses on one button that reads "Vote Yes on 50" and shows a bear holding the state of California.

Politics

California Democrats made Prop. 50 about Trump. Polls show it worked

While lopsided polling and fundraising have given the Yes on 50 campaign an undeniable advantage, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team is taking nothing for granted as Election Day arrives.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 3, 2025

A person in a navy suit stands at a podium labeled “Election Rigging Response Act,” speaking to a large crowd gathered in an indoor venue. Behind and around the speaker, people hold signs with messages like “Defend Democracy” and “Together We Fight for All.” Several American flags are displayed, and the atmosphere suggests a political rally or public event focused on voting rights and election integrity.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s biggest political test yet is on the ballot

Gov. Gavin Newsom is staking his political future on Prop. 50. How long will it pay off?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• October 30, 2025

A person wearing a red shirt stands in front of their garage door framed with an ivy archway. An American flag can be seen hanging nearby.

Politics

Newsom’s Prop. 50 would tie coastal cities to desert towns under San Diego maps

San Diego County is divided by its urban and rural regions in congressional maps. Proposition 50 would join them together in an attempt to weaken Republican voting power.

By

Nadia Lathan

• October 28, 2025

A person wearing a headscarf and face mask drops a pink ballot envelope into an official ballot drop box inside a voting center, with other voters visible in the background.

Politics

California Latinos take pride in casting ballots in person. ICE at polls could deter that

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly warned, without evidence, that immigration agents could show up at polling sites the way they did at the launch for Proposition 50. Community members and local leaders say those fears are real.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 27, 2025

A person wearing a red vest with the word “VOTE!” printed in multiple languages stands at the entrance of a hallway where voters fill out ballots at individual booths.

Politics

Trump’s DOJ is sending election monitors to California with voting on Prop. 50 underway

It's common to see election observers at voting stations, but generally less so for them to come from the federal government. Some from the Trump administration will be on the ground in several California counties next month.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 24, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a light blue suit and patterned tie, stands in front of a microphone, while surrounded by other lawmakers sitting at their desks inside a legislative room of the state Capitol.

Politics

It’s official: Scott Wiener is running for Nancy Pelosi’s seat in Congress

State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco launched his campaign for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s seat. His long–awaited announcement comes even as Pelosi demurs on whether she’ll retire or run for a 19th term.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 22, 2025

A round campaign button reading “Vote Yes on Prop 50” lies on a table decorated with an American flag pattern, next to papers and a blue lanyard. The button includes the outline of California and smaller text about restoring checks and balances.

Politics

Supporters are way ahead in fundraising for Newsom’s Prop. 50, but the race remains close

Opponents of Prop. 50 want voters to resist gerrymandering. Supporters are doing everything they can to make the election about Trump.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Jeanne Kuang

• October 21, 2025

A man speaks at a press conference behind a wooden podium with microphones, gesturing with one hand, while three other suited individuals stand beside him. Two U.S. flags are visible in the background, suggesting a government or congressional setting.

Politics

This city banned the Pride flag. Newsom’s maps would give them a progressive, gay congressman

Huntington Beach and its all-Republican city council have proudly led California’s conservative resistance. Now, if California voters approve Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to temporarily redraw the state’s congressional maps, the city would be represented by Rep. Robert Garcia, a gay progressive who leads Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 20, 2025

Politics

Print CalMatters’ 2025 Voter Guide

We’ve created one-sheet versions of our 2025 Voter Guide so you can print, post or share them with other voters in your community.

By

Gabriel Hongsdusit

• October 15, 2025

A person talks while standing in front of podium while more people look watch him.

Politics

A well-known Sacramento Democrat is taking on this suddenly vulnerable California Republican

Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley has garnered his most well-known Democratic challenger yet in Dr. Richard Pan, the former state senator who once made national headlines for going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as California pushed to enforce school vaccine mandates.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 14, 2025