Elections

It finally happened. For years Republicans in California has been steadily falling as a share of registered voters. At the same time, “no party preference” voters—those who don’t align themselves with any political party—has been ticking up and up. This morning, the California Secretary of State’s office made the announcement: Those two lines finally crossed. […]

By

Ben Christopher

• June 1, 2018

State Sen. Josh Newman faces a recall in Orange County on Tuesday.

Elections

Nuclear option: Why politicians are warily watching the recall election of Sen. Josh Newman

At stake in a California recall race is more than the short tenure of a state lawmaker. The fate of Sen. Josh Newman will provide an object lesson to politicians of all stripes on what happens to vulnerable politicians who take controversial votes—and how well parties and other interest groups can (or can’t) protect them from ticked off voters.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 1, 2018

With California’s primary just days away, here’s a sampling of some of the players spending big to influence your vote:

Elections

High Rollers—A closer look at some of the sources underwriting California’s costly campaign season

With California’s primary just days away, here’s a sampling of some of the players spending big to influence your vote.

By

Matt Levin

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Laurel Rosenhall

• June 1, 2018

Elections

Parks and politics: What you need to know about Propositions 68 and 70

One measure on the June ballot asks voters to shell out billions to improve the environment. Another could make it more difficult for the state to spend billions on helpful projects.

By

Julie Cart

• May 30, 2018

Gavin Newsom campaigning for governor. Photo by Ben Christopher for CALmatters

Elections

Gavin Newsom insists his campaign tactic won’t really cost Democrats the House

Democrat Gavin Newsom is trying to swat away growing complaints that his campaign tactic of boosting Republican rival John Cox could cause collateral damage in autumn: driving up GOP turnout and thereby undermining Democratic efforts to win key California congressional seats necessary for their party to take control of the House of Representatives.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 29, 2018

Elections

Follow the ricochets: Those campaign ads may have hidden targets

Why would a group trying to elect Democrats buy ads promoting their Republican opponents to conservative watchers of Fox News? Because California’s election rules have turned normal campaign tactics on their head.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• May 25, 2018

Top contenders to be the next California schools' chief: Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck.

Education

Candidates for California schools’ chief vow to wield more influence—but for what?

Both frontrunners to be California's new superintendent of schools say they will transform the post into a more forceful voice for education reform—but their split on charter schools may be decisive in this costly campaign.

By

Jessica Calefati

• May 24, 2018

Elections

Unpacking the latest polls: Top takeaways for the California primary

With the California primary less than two weeks away, two new polls provide some clues to what voters are thinking. And while the state overall still looks true blue, the surveys do give Democrats a few reasons to worry. Here are key takeaways: Second spot in the top-two contest for governor is still uncertain In a […]

By

Ben Christopher

• May 23, 2018

Vivek Viswanathan, Democratic candidate for treasurer, is running across California. Screenshot of his campaign's video.

Elections

Go big or go home: How to run statewide in California when you’re not rich, famous or in office

In California—a massive state with a pricey, fragmented media market and spotty voter participation—sometimes it pays to run a creative, out-of-the-box campaign.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 23, 2018

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a Democrat, is a candidate for California Attorney General. Photo by Laurel Rosenhall/CALmatters

Elections

In race to unseat attorney general, why rival Dave Jones says Becerra doesn’t belong in this courtroom

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is accusing the many who wants to unseat, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, of violating “the very law he is sworn to uphold.” How? By filming campaign commercials inside a courthouse.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• May 21, 2018