California Democratic Party

Gov. Gavin Newsom, surrounded by a crowd of reporters, speaks in the spin room after a presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. Photo by John Bazemore, AP Photo

Elections

Gavin Newsom, once Biden’s biggest cheerleader, inches into the Kamala Harris campaign

California’s governor stood by President Biden to the bitter end, but is taking a less visible role in the Harris campaign so far. His speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention could signal how prominent he will be until Election Day.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 14, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wave their hands surrounded by a crowd of supporters waving placards in support of their presidential bid.

Elections

Republicans target Kamala Harris’ ‘California-ness.’ Do swing-state voters care?

The vice president must defend her California roots and record against attacks by the Trump campaign. Voters and politicians in the swing states of Michigan and Arizona say that may not be the deciding factor.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• August 9, 2024

A young person stands in the doorway of a Little Hotel Tokyo, surrounded by red and white signs.

Elections

TikTok, Brat and Kamala Harris: Will newly fired-up young voters flip elections in California?

Young voters in California and across the country are excited about Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats are trying to capitalize, counting on a surge at the polls to win key congressional races.

By

Matthew Reagan

and

Jenna Peterson

• August 8, 2024

The California Democratic Party convention at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento on Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Democrats run the California Capitol. When the party backs a bill, lawmakers pay attention

The California Democratic Party’s primary function is electing candidates. Lately, it’s become a lobbying powerhouse, taking positions on dozens of bills. The party usually gets its way.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• July 22, 2024

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris looks on as Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Delaware on Aug. 12, 2020. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

Elections

California Democratic delegates, with more sway in wild election, rally behind Harris

With President Joe Biden announcing today he won’t seek reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, some California Democratic delegates quickly went along. Gov. Gavin Newsom also endorsed Harris.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Jeanne Kuang

• July 21, 2024

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi applauds as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Feb. 7, 2023. Photo by Jacquelyn Martin via Reuters

Politics

Why Nancy Pelosi was key to nudging Biden out: ‘For her, it’s all about winning’

Lea esta historia en Español When the dam of discontented Democrats calling upon President Joe Biden to suspend his flagging presidential campaign finally broke last week, Rep. Nancy Pelosi was standing at the floodgates. Pelosi stepped down from being speaker of the House in 2022. Technically, that makes her a mere congressional backbencher from San […]

By

Ben Christopher

• July 21, 2024

President Joe Biden, left, stands on stage with Rep. Mike Levin, right, and his wife Chrissy, center, after Biden spoke at a campaign rally in San Diego on Nov. 3, 2022. Photo by Patrick Semansky, AP Photo

Elections

As more California Democratic reps ask Biden to drop out, those in key districts face a pivotal choice

Democrats in key swing House districts face a pivotal choice: Whether or not to back President Biden. Many are staying silent, but they’re under more pressure after U.S. Senate candidate Adam Schiff called on Biden to drop out.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• July 18, 2024

A security guard attempts to seize a Palestinian flag from protesters calling for a ceasefire of Israeli bombing in Gaza at the California Democratic Convention in Sacramento on Nov. 18, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Elections

How some California voters tried to send Biden a message on Gaza ceasefire

In other states, pro-ceasefire Democrats voted “uncommitted” in their presidential primary. That wasn’t possible in California, but protest votes showed up in a few pockets, including Los Angeles.

By

Sameea Kamal

• March 14, 2024

Assemblymember Marie Waldron, a Republican from Escondido, convenes with legislators during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Monday. Aug. 22, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Digital Democracy

How psychedelic drug therapy became a rare bipartisan issue in California

Former Assembly Republican leader Marie Waldron and San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener may not have a lot in common, but they’ve formed an unlikely alliance over psychedelic drugs.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• February 19, 2024

A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake during a special election in Shasta County Nov. 7, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Elections

Can you vote for any candidate in California’s primary election? Here are the rules

There are different rules for the presidential contest and state races on the March 5 ballot. And each party has its own rules.

By

CalMatters Staff

• February 7, 2024