Elections

Politics

‘Valleycrat’ or Mamdani wannabe?: California Democrats are split on how to win swing votes

After 2024 losses, Democrats split on strategy: move to the middle or embrace economic populism. A Central Valley congressional race encapsulates the divide.

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 12, 2026

Four speakers sit onstage in armchairs for a moderated panel discussion, with an audience watching from the foreground. Behind them are purple backdrops reading “Health Matters” and “La Salud Importa,” lit by spotlights.

Politics

Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lag

It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 3, 2026

Representative David Valadao speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Graeme Sloan, Sipa USA via Reuters

Politics

California Rep. David Valadao voted for Medi-Cal cuts. Will voters hold it against him?

In the seven times he’s run for Congress, Valadao has lost his seat only once – in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first midterm election. Democrats hope to oust him again by leveraging his politically toxic vote for the GOP megabill that will cut funding to Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage for nearly two-thirds of his constituents.

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 2, 2026

A person with a short beard and wearing a blue suit talks into a microphone that is peaking into the bottom part of the frame, while another person in a blue suit stands behind them just out of focus.

Politics

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan enters governor’s race as Newsom critic

The San Jose mayor broke with fellow Democrats on crime and wants to arrest homeless people who refuse shelter. He joins a crowded Democratic field for governor.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 29, 2026

Politics

Tom Steyer vows to cut electricity bills by 25%, but experts say the details fall short

California has the second-highest electricity bills in the nation, and no candidate for governor has honed in as much as climate investor Tom Steyer. But is his promise to cut bills 25% realistic?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 29, 2026

Two people stand closely together outdoors, one with an arm around the other’s shoulders. The person on the left wears a baseball cap and sunglasses and looks ahead, while the person on the right, wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, rests their head against the other’s chest with eyes closed. Another person stands out of focus in the background beneath a shaded structure.

Politics

The Doug LaMalfa I covered: Authentic, cranky and deeply caring

After the sudden death of U.S. Rep Doug LaMalfa, a CalMatters reporter who covered him for 20 years reflects on his life and legacy.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• January 6, 2026

A person speaks into a handheld microphone while gesturing with one raised hand, standing in front of a large U.S. flag that fills the background. The person wears a light-colored jacket over a red shirt, with the flag’s stars and stripes prominently visible behind them.

Politics

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a steadfast advocate for California’s North State, dies at 65

LaMalfa was known for his dedication to water access and forestry management, key issues for his largely rural district. His death leaves House Republicans with an even more precarious majority that could struggle to pass Republican legislation.

By

Maya C. Miller

• January 6, 2026

A red, white, and blue sign reading “No on 50: Defend Fair Elections” sits on a table beside jars filled with pistachios and a small display about California’s political priorities. The background shows blurred lights and a screen displaying a broadcast.

Politics

Republicans ask federal court to overturn California’s new Prop. 50 maps

Republicans and the Trump administration are hoping a panel of federal judges in Los Angeles will halt the new Prop. 50 maps from taking effect. But given the Supreme Court’s recent ruling greenlighting Texas’s redrawn maps, their odds are long.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• December 16, 2025

Moderators watch as candidates stand at podiums on a stage during a televised debate.

Politics

Who’s running for California governor? Here’s a look at the official field of candidates

A few moments of controversy have touched an otherwise sleepy, wide open race to be California’s next governor.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• December 2, 2025

A person in glasses and a jacket stares into the distance, seated next to vegetation. At the bottom of the frame are pieces of a plate poking into it, with one stem passing through the center. The person has rays of golden sunlight shining through one side of their body.

Politics

Young California Democrats are challenging veteran House members in safe blue seats

The recent retirements of Nancy Pelosi and other longtime House Democrats have led to more calls for aging members to pass the torch. Incumbents argue their experience is crucial as the executive branch is upending the balance of power in Washington.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 28, 2025