ballot measure

Photo collage of images about Prop 50, including Gavin Newsom, people holding "No on 50" signs, redistricting maps, the CA State capitol, and a vote by mail notice

Politics

The money spent on Newsom’s Proposition 50 was unlike any other California election in one way

As election day approaches, nonprofits, political parties and a billionaire have spent nearly $26 million on ads and other communications in an effort to convince voters to support or oppose Prop. 50 - the most of any ballot measure in recent state history.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 31, 2025

A person wearing a red vest with the word “VOTE!” printed in multiple languages stands at the entrance of a hallway where voters fill out ballots at individual booths.

Politics

Trump’s DOJ is sending election monitors to California with voting on Prop. 50 underway

It's common to see election observers at voting stations, but generally less so for them to come from the federal government. Some from the Trump administration will be on the ground in several California counties next month.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 24, 2025

Health

Should billionaires pay more? California unions want voters to decide

Labor and health care groups are collecting signatures to put a measure that would levy a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of about 200 billionaires in California.

By

Kristen Hwang

• October 24, 2025

Politics

The campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California’s most expensive ever

Gov. Gavin Newsom is raising money from labor unions and Democrats all over the country for his redistricting ballot measure. Republicans are pouring in money to fight it.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 3, 2025

A person wearing a blue shirt with the words “CDCR PRISONER” in large yellow letters on the back stands behind a chain-link fence, with other people in similar uniforms visible in the background near portable buildings.

Justice

California shrank prisons with sentencing changes. A new study shows how that’s working

Several new California laws gave incarcerated people a second chance at freedom. A new report provides the first in-depth look at how they’re working.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• September 25, 2025

Mental Health

Newsom promised real progress on mental health with CARE Court. Here’s what the numbers show

In the most-comprehensive look yet at whether people are using Gov. Gavin Newsom's CARE Court, we found that far fewer Californians are enrolled in the mental health program than he projected.

By

Marisa Kendall

,

Jocelyn Wiener

and

Erica Yee

• September 2, 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

Ballot Measure