California Elections

The skyline of San Francisco as seen from Bernal Heights Hill on March 16, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s once soaring population has hit a plateau. So will its national political clout

Stagnant foreign migration, fewer births and people moving to other states mean California loses congressional seats and electoral votes.

By

Dan Walters

• February 5, 2026

Commentary

Los Angeles voters are moving ever leftward, shifting election politics in America’s second-largest city

Among the signs: LA’s Democratic Socialists are flexing new muscle, police limits and mansion taxes are popular, and ICE raids are galvanizing voters.

By

Jim Newton

• February 5, 2026

Representative David Valadao speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Graeme Sloan, Sipa USA via Reuters

Politics

California Rep. David Valadao voted for Medi-Cal cuts. Will voters hold it against him?

In the seven times he’s run for Congress, Valadao has lost his seat only once – in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first midterm election. Democrats hope to oust him again by leveraging his politically toxic vote for the GOP megabill that will cut funding to Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage for nearly two-thirds of his constituents.

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 2, 2026

The image shows a person in a suit and tie, standing behind a microphone. They have have short, dark hair with some gray and a beard. The background features a metallic surface with a window above their head, which appears to be partially open. The person is speaking.

Commentary

Matt Mahan’s campaign for California governor will be a voter litmus test

With San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat, entering the governor's race, the outcome will help reveal just how liberal California truly is.

By

Dan Walters

• January 30, 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

Did California’s existential issues scare off potential candidates for governor?

Californians may never know for sure, but the half-dozen existential issues imperiling the state, from high living costs to water supply, may have scared off some candidates for governor.

By

Dan Walters

• January 22, 2026

Technology

OpenAI, childrens’ advocates join forces on initiative to protect kids from chatbots

ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Common Sense Media had rival ballot initiatives designed to protect kids from chatbots. Today they merged their efforts.

By

Khari Johnson

• January 9, 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

Political leaders aren’t to blame for LA fires, but what about the recovery?

Mayor Karen Bass' challenge is to persuade voters she has command over the city's recovery process, despite the early struggles during the fire.

By

Jim Newton

• January 8, 2026

Flames from a wildfire devour the inside of a home as the air fills with fire smog and darkens the sky.

Commentary

Candidate comment: California is too easy on insurers and strangles competition

Strong regulation can hold insurance companies accountable and empower customers, while ample choice and competition prevent price gouging.

By Patrick Wolff • January 7, 2026

A person in a suit and glasses stands in front of blue curtains, watching another person speaking in the foreground, whose face is out of focus and partially turned away.

Health

What’s next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in

‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 19, 2025

A side view of a panel with nine speakers, including politicians and labor leaders, sit on stage during a “Unionize California” event, with one person standing and speaking into a microphone. A red, white, and blue light projection spells out "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" on the curtain behind them. The audience is seated at round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.

By

Dan Walters

• December 19, 2025