California Elections

Democratic presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Kamala Harris before the start of the Democratic primary debate hosted by NBC News at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Thursday, June 27, 2019, in Miami.

Elections

See which Dem your California neighbors are funding to beat Trump, in 5 charts

By the numbers: Which Democratic presidential challenger has raised the most from Californians this year-to-date? This past quarter? Last month? Who's leading in donations from more zip codes—and in each zip code? We break it down for you.

By

Ben Christopher

• July 16, 2019

Billionaire activist Tom Steyer, who unleashed a national ad blitz calling for the impeachment of President Trump, was a featured speaker at the California Democratic Party's convention. Photo by Chris Stone, courtesy of TimesOfSanDiego.com

Elections

Tom Steyer wants to fix American politics by making it Californian

Ballot referenda, term limits, voting by mail. If the ideas of the newest presidential contender sound familiar, you might be a Californian.

By

Ben Christopher

• July 11, 2019

Delegates at the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco snap selfies with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's once again seeking the party's nomination for president. Photo by Elizabeth Castillo for CALmatters

Elections

California Democrats loudly lean left—but quietly make a safe choice

California's Democratic convention delegates cheered presidential contenders who said there was no middle group on climate change, single-payer health care and other progressive goals, and jeered at two moderates who disagreed—booing one for saying "socialism is not the answer." But as the party elected a new chairman and turned its attention to the 2020 election, they made what many considered a "safe choice."

By

Ben Christopher

• June 2, 2019

Newsletters

Police use of force, a hedge against Trump, and childcare for candidates

Law on use of police force moves closer to reality. Democrats continue push for health care legislation. Senate approves "Trump insurance" bill.

By

Dan Morain

• May 30, 2019

Newsletters

New vaccine bill, a special home loan and Election 2026

A new battle looms in the vaccination wars, three women test the waters for 2026 governor's race, voters may get to decide on reviving the state estate tax

By

Dan Morain

• March 27, 2019

Elections

How will this year’s election play out? Here’s what insiders say

With Election Day creeping closer, state political insiders have cast their predictions: It's going to be robust night for Democrats, with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom winning the governor’s race by 11 percent or more. The

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• November 2, 2018

Voting stickers. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

Elections

Last day to register to vote in November election

Today is the last day to register to vote in California if you want to have your say in the 2018 midterms—and you can register right here. On Nov. 6, state voters will select a new governor, decide key Congressional races that could determine whether Democrats retake control of the House, and determine the fate of […]

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• October 22, 2018

Elections

Wish choosing candidates was as easy as shopping for cars? It is, with our side-by-side comparison tool

Our election tool allows voters to compare California candidates' on the issues, much like Consumer Reports lets buyers contrast the features of Honda versus Toyota.

By

CalMatters Staff

• October 17, 2018

Republican John Cox, a businessman from the San Diego area, faces tough odds in his campaign to be California's next governor. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP

Elections

Eternal optimist: John Cox, distruster of politicians, keeps bidding to become one

In nearly half a dozen political campaigns, John Cox has embraced the persona of the anti-politician assailing a corrupt establishment. He's never come close to winning. But in 2018, the Republican iconoclast has finally become a contender.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 10, 2018

Ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., talks as Christine Blasey Ford testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Photo by Michael Reynolds/Pool Image via AP

Elections

Sen. Dianne Feinstein seeks sixth term: How her Washington virtues became California vulnerabilities

The very qualities that lead some in California to eye Feinstein as vulnerable—her political moderation, her non-confrontational temperament and her age—are viewed by many in Washington as assets.

By

Marc Sandalow

• October 5, 2018