Elections

Analysis: Low number of lung cancer deaths saved California more than half a billion

Anti-smoking crusade dating back decades has resulted in fewer deaths, more savings. Fresh data reveals new cigarette tax reducing smoking.

By

Matt Levin

• October 24, 2018

Gavin Newsom smiles at a campaign stop at Stakely's Barber Salon in Los Angeles, as he campaigns for governor. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press

Politics

Behind the smile: Why Gavin Newsom is striving for his next “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”

Critics call Gavin Newsom, the Democratic frontrunner to be California's next governor, starry-eyed and worse. But nobody could ever accuse him of not thinking big—or as he terms it, thinking "drastically."

By

Ben Christopher

• October 23, 2018

A key labor union pulled its endorsement of Democrat Katie Porter in a hot Orange County Congressional race over her opposition to California’s gas tax hike.

Elections

Labor shuns Democrat challenging indicted GOP Congressman Duncan Hunter

The California Labor Federation dropped its support for Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar running against Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter over his statement on the gasoline tax. Labor embraced Jessica Morse in her race against Republican Tom McClintock after she took a somewhat different stand on funding for road repair.

By

Dan Morain

• October 22, 2018

Voting stickers. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

Elections

Last day to register to vote in November election

Today is the last day to register to vote in California if you want to have your say in the 2018 midterms—and you can register right here. On Nov. 6, state voters will select a new governor, decide key Congressional races that could determine whether Democrats retake control of the House, and determine the fate of […]

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• October 22, 2018

Ed Hernandez and Eleni Kounalakis are running to succeed Gavin Newsom as lieutenant governor.

Elections

VIDEO: Ed Hernandez, Eleni Kounalakis on issues facing the next Lieutenant Governor

California lieutenant governor candidates Ed Hernandez and Eleni Kounalakis face off on education, housing, their priorities and qualifications and more.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• October 22, 2018

Elections

Healthcare workers’ union counts dialysis victory in dollars spent against it

California healthcare workers union leader Dave Regan has used initiatives and threats of initiatives in the past in negotiations on behalf of his 100,000-member union. That Proposition 8 opponents are spending $105 million-plus to defeat the initiative is sure to send a message to Regan’s future foes that ballot measure fights come at a steep cost.

By

Dan Morain

• October 21, 2018

Elections

Majority Report: Two debates are better than one edition

A recap of California congressional races this week: Democrats are raking it in, Rohrabacher and Rouda debate (twice!) and Duncan Hunter Jr. quadruples down.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 19, 2018

Education

VIDEO: Tony Thurmond, Marshall Tuck on California’s public school system

Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck, sharing their thoughts on charter schools, teacher tenure, their job qualifications, California's educational issues and more.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• October 18, 2018

Elections

Democrats get big bucks from small-dollar donors

Democratic congressional candidates in California's most competitive races are significantly outraising Republicans in small-dollar donations. It’s a display of voter enthusiasm that can pay long-term dividends for beneficiaries. The phenomenon extends to districts where no Democratic expert thinks Democratic challengers have any prayer of winning.

By

Dan Morain

• October 17, 2018

Elections

Wish choosing candidates was as easy as shopping for cars? It is, with our side-by-side comparison tool

Our election tool allows voters to compare California candidates' on the issues, much like Consumer Reports lets buyers contrast the features of Honda versus Toyota.

By

CalMatters Staff

• October 17, 2018