Elections

Assemblymember Ian Calderon speaks on the Assembly floor at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 11, 2019. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Politics

Millennial Democrat Ian Calderon announces bid for California governor

Ian Calderon joins a crowd of Democrats jockeying in a wide-open race for governor. The former assemblymember left the Legislature in 2020 to focus on his family.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• September 23, 2025

Elections

2025 California Voter Guide: Your Election Questions, Answered

Where do I vote? Am I registered to vote? Does everyone get a ballot in the mail? Answers to your election day questions ahead of November 4.

By

CalMatters Staff

• September 19, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a black suit and a striped tie, is surrounded by reporters holding up phones to audio record the lawmakers remarks.

Politics

Here’s how Newsom’s maps are already changing California’s congressional races

California congressional wannabes aren’t waiting for Prop. 50 to start campaigning in the newly drawn districts. Candidates are evaluating which seats they stand the greatest chance of winning in. For Republican challengers, the eight-week delay is far more consequential.

By

Maya C. Miller

• September 16, 2025

Political signs and campaign posters cover a wall inside a hotel hallway during a California GOP gathering. A red sign reading “NO on Prop 50” with a map of California is prominent in the foreground. Other signs for governor candidates and ballot measures are also visible. In the background, people are mingling in the carpeted hallway.

Politics

Newsom or not? California GOP split on centering him in redistricting campaign

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants the campaign for Proposition 50 to be a battle between him and President Donald Trump. Republicans say they need to win over voters another way.

By

Alexei Koseff

• September 8, 2025

A person in a suit speaks emphatically into microphones at a press conference inside the California State Capitol, with two other people standing behind them.

Politics

California GOP takes Newsom to court over redistricting, again. Will Trump sue next?

California Republicans are suing again to try and keep Gov. Newsom and Democrats’ redistricting plan off voters’ ballots. President Trump floated the idea of suing, too

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Alexei Koseff

• August 26, 2025

A person wearing a blue suit stands in front of two American flags while as they look straight off into the distance during a press conference.

Politics

Democrats wanted someone to ‘punch back.’ They got him when Newsom took on Texas

Democrats are searching for a leader to take on President Trump. Gov. Gavin Newsom embraced that role with new online trolling and a proposed gerrymander to counter a GOP power play in Texas.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 21, 2025

A lawmaker writes on a sheet of paper as they sit in front of a desk while surrounded by other lawmakers during a press conference.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan is on its way to voters. What you need to know

Many California Democrats are reluctant to give up the state's independently drawn congressional districts, but they say it's a necessary step to counter gerrymanders in Republican states.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Jeanne Kuang

• August 21, 2025

A person in a suit speaks emphatically at a podium surrounded by microphones, with others standing nearby. A large sign next to the podium reads, "Defend Fair Elections."

Politics

What about Texas? California Republicans pressed for answers in redistricting fight

Texas and President Donald Trump struck first in a gerrymandering battle that could tilt the 2026 midterms. That puts California Republicans in a bind as they contest Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Maya C. Miller

• August 21, 2025

Person smiling outdoors, standing in front of leafy green plants.

Politics

California Rep. Young Kim’s newest challenger: An Orange County immigration lawyer

An immigration attorney who represented an ICE-detained Orange County father of three military sons is the latest Democrat to challenge Republican Rep. Young Kim in a district that could be drawn redder by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s gerrymander.

By

Maya C. Miller

• August 20, 2025

Two people sit behind a panel desk in a hearing room. One looks down at notes while the other, seated in the center, looks forward with a neutral expression. A microphone and nameplate reading “SABRINA CERVANTES” are visible on the desk, with a blurred figure in the foreground facing them.

Politics

‘Moral conflict’ drives Democratic doubts about Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan

California voters backed independent redistricting for congressional seats and giving it up to counter President Trump creates a moral conflict even for Democrats.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• August 20, 2025