Elections

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

A person stands at a voting booth in a public building, holding a small child on their hip while filling out a ballot. The booth has a bright yellow privacy shield, and large yellow posters with election rules are taped to the wall behind them. A door labeled “Room 265” and an evacuation plan are visible to the left.

Politics

Does Prop. 50 divide California communities? Depends how you measure it

Prop. 50 would enact a congressional map that helps Democrats, but a new analysis finds it doesn’t change Californians’ representation much on other measures.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• October 10, 2025

A person sits in front of a stack of pink ballot envelopes laid out on a table.

Politics

California voters could see faster election results under new state law

California is known for taking weeks to tally its ballots, causing uncertainty and frustration among voters. That could change with a faster turn-around under a new state law.

By

Nadia Lathan

• October 8, 2025

Various fairgoers walk through a fair group with a giant Ferris wheel in the background and multiple booths selling food. The photo depicts a busy scene of fairgoers enjoying various activities at a fair.

Politics

In the Central Valley, Prop. 50 is a fight between Newsom’s California and GOP’s Washington

The term “Proposition 50” doesn’t ring a bell with many residents of the rural San Joaquin Valley. But even some of the most disengaged voters say they’re familiar with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to redraw California’s congressional maps in response to Texas.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 8, 2025

State Senate leader Toni Atkins kicked off her gubernatorial campaign with an event in San Diego on Jan. 19, 2024. Photo by Bryan Giardinelli, Breathe New Winds

Politics

Democrat Toni Atkins drops out of crowded race to replace Gavin Newsom

The former state Senate leader was leading in campaign cash but far behind in the polls.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• September 29, 2025

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