California Elections

Rows of yellow voting marking devices while voters fill out their ballots at a polling place inside Assumption Church in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on March 3, 2020. Photo by Kyle Grillot, Reuters

Commentary

Democratic angst and gerrymandering threaten California’s political reforms

California Democratic leaders likely won't want to keep the top-two primary system or the independent redistricting commission after this year.

By

Dan Walters

• March 5, 2026

A person wearing glasses and a black jacket stands in front of a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone, during a press conference at the site of a wildfire, as tractors work behind them, moving debris. Other people surround them, all wearing construction helmets and safety vests.

Commentary

LA Mayor Karen Bass deflects blame, adds insult to injury for wildfire victims

The Los Angeles Times reports Mayor Bass has been pressuring fire officials to soften or downplay findings in reports about the city's wildfire response.

By

Dan Walters

• February 27, 2026

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

Commentary

No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot

A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.

By

Dan Walters

• February 26, 2026

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

Commentary

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By

Jim Newton

• February 19, 2026

A large modern mansion with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooks a long rectangular pool with arcing water jets, surrounded by lounge chairs, a patio dining area, and manicured greenery under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

California can learn from European countries that tried wealth taxes

Of 14 European countries that taxed personal wealth, all but three repealed it, citing capital flight, disappointing revenue and high costs.

By Jared Walczak • February 19, 2026

A person, wearing a green shirt and gray pants, stands in front of a row of gray voting booths as they fill out their ballot.

Commentary

California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes

Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.

By Trent Lange • February 18, 2026

A firefighter in protective gear pulls a hose toward a massive structure fire at night, directing a stream of water toward towering flames that engulf a building and fill the air with smoke and orange light.

Commentary

Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates

There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.

By

Guest Commentary

• February 17, 2026

A burned-out structure with scorched walls and an arched doorway stands amidst charred vegetation. Smoke lingers in the background, and a partially intact gate with the number '203' leads to the property. A few green trees and palm trees remain standing in the hazy, orange-lit landscape.

Commentary

Candidate comment: Insurers’ blockbuster profits enrich shareholders and CEOs, not customers

Guest Commentary written by Jane Kim Jane Kim is a civil rights attorney, consumer advocate and a former San Francisco Supervisor With the first anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires approaching, CalMatters asked candidates for the 2026 state Insurance Commissioner race to share thoughts on what the state can do to help victims and […]

By Jane Kim • February 12, 2026