California Elections

Commentary

Disgraced LA council members tried to erase voters. Here’s how California can respond

State and federal laws are not necessarily designed for the type of schemes revealed by the Los Angeles City Council audio leak. California legislators can act by mandating independent redistricting and outlining consequences for interference.

By Guest Commentary • December 20, 2022

Politics

What has California’s government been up to lately? Here’s your updated primer

CalMatters' expert journalists around the state created this guide to the state's efforts to meet the challenges of 2022 and prepare for 2023.

By David Lesher • December 20, 2022

Commentary

In 2024, California voters will have a chance to make quality education a civil right

In the aftermath of prolonged school closures and learning losses during the pandemic, a coalition has vowed to put forward a ballot proposition that would enshrine high-quality public education as a civil right in California.

By Guest Commentary • December 19, 2022

Politics

Ballot blockade: California industries rely on referenda to stop laws

The fast food and oil industries are only the latest to seek a referendum to stop, or at least delay, a law passed by the state Legislature. The return on investment can be huge — so much money that some are calling for changing the referendum rules in California.

By Ben Christopher and Jeanne Kuang • December 12, 2022

Commentary

Supreme Court redistricting case could allow Democrats to gerrymander California

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week for a Republican-led case about redistricting authority. In California, it could give Democrats absolute power over the drawing of congressional maps.

By Guest Commentary • December 5, 2022

WhatMatters

California election results near final form

Note: The newsletter will pause until Tuesday, Nov. 29 for the holiday weekend. Happy Thanksgiving! And then there was one. Just one California race for a U.S. House of Representatives seat remained too close to call as of Tuesday, two weeks after the Nov. 8 election: With about 335,000 unprocessed ballots left to count, Republican […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 23, 2022

Elections

California election results: The most interesting numbers

After a flurry of called races, victories proclaimed and concessions offered across 52 congressional districts, 100 state Assembly and Senate contests, nine statewide races for constitutional offices and seven propositions on the California ballot, it can be hard to wrap your head around what exactly happened. Fortunately, we’ve boiled it down to a few pictures […]

By Ben Christopher • November 18, 2022

WhatMatters

Why California keeps repeating same election story

Does anyone else feel like the outcomes of California’s Tuesday election were largely predictable? It’s true that county elections officials still have to tally more than 4.8 million ballots, according to Thursday estimates. And it’s true that some state legislative and U.S. House races are still too close to call, and could remain that way […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 11, 2022

Capitol

A speakership deal: Rendon, Rivas agree on handover

After maneuvering for months, Anthony Rendon and Robert Rivas make a deal on who will be Assembly speaker in the next Legislature. Rendon will stay on, but Rivas will take over at the end of June 2023.

By Alexei Koseff • November 10, 2022

Elections

What’s next for sports betting in California?

Voters resoundingly rejected Propositions 26 and 27, but that doesn't end the debate over California sports betting. Those behind the ballot measures are figuring out their next steps.

By Grace Gedye • November 10, 2022