California Elections

Various political buttons displayed on a round wooden tray. The photo focuses on one button that reads "Vote Yes on 50" and shows a bear holding the state of California.

Politics

California Democrats made Prop. 50 about Trump. Polls show it worked

While lopsided polling and fundraising have given the Yes on 50 campaign an undeniable advantage, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team is taking nothing for granted as Election Day arrives.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 3, 2025

Photo collage of images about Prop 50, including Gavin Newsom, people holding "No on 50" signs, redistricting maps, the CA State capitol, and a vote by mail notice

Politics

The money spent on Newsom’s Proposition 50 was unlike any other California election in one way

As election day approaches, nonprofits, political parties and a billionaire have spent nearly $26 million on ads and other communications in an effort to convince voters to support or oppose Prop. 50 - the most of any ballot measure in recent state history.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 31, 2025

A person in a navy suit stands at a podium labeled “Election Rigging Response Act,” speaking to a large crowd gathered in an indoor venue. Behind and around the speaker, people hold signs with messages like “Defend Democracy” and “Together We Fight for All.” Several American flags are displayed, and the atmosphere suggests a political rally or public event focused on voting rights and election integrity.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s biggest political test yet is on the ballot

Gov. Gavin Newsom is staking his political future on Prop. 50. How long will it pay off?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• October 30, 2025

A person wearing a headscarf and face mask drops a pink ballot envelope into an official ballot drop box inside a voting center, with other voters visible in the background.

Politics

California Latinos take pride in casting ballots in person. ICE at polls could deter that

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly warned, without evidence, that immigration agents could show up at polling sites the way they did at the launch for Proposition 50. Community members and local leaders say those fears are real.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 27, 2025

A person wearing a red vest with the word “VOTE!” printed in multiple languages stands at the entrance of a hallway where voters fill out ballots at individual booths.

Politics

Trump’s DOJ is sending election monitors to California with voting on Prop. 50 underway

It's common to see election observers at voting stations, but generally less so for them to come from the federal government. Some from the Trump administration will be on the ground in several California counties next month.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 24, 2025

A woman speaks at a press conference while standing behind a row of microphones labeled with various news station logos, gesturing with her hands as several people stand in the background.

Commentary

California’s gerrymander and generational rift could shake up its Democratic hierarchy

If Prop 50 succeeds, Democrats' votes will be spread more thinly to five more congressional districts at the same time younger candidates challenge senior-age incumbents.

By

Dan Walters

• October 24, 2025

Construction workers use construction machinery as they work on a trench near the side of a road.

Commentary

Ballot measure would broaden reform of California’s key environmental law

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature overhauled the CEQA environmental laws for housing, but a business group wants that to include other kinds of "essential" projects.

By

Dan Walters

• October 23, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a light blue suit and patterned tie, stands in front of a microphone, while surrounded by other lawmakers sitting at their desks inside a legislative room of the state Capitol.

Politics

It’s official: Scott Wiener is running for Nancy Pelosi’s seat in Congress

State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco launched his campaign for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s seat. His long–awaited announcement comes even as Pelosi demurs on whether she’ll retire or run for a 19th term.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 22, 2025

A low-angle view of a sign pinned to the grass with an arrow pointing to the left and an I voted sticker on the sign with a flag. Behind the sign and view between the pins is a line of people waiting to enter a building near a tree.

Commentary

Prop. 50 doesn’t guarantee Democrats five seats. They still have to win races across California

The proposed congressional maps under Proposition 50 simply create more districts with Democratic majorities. Congressional candidates will still have to convince voters they're worth electing.

By

Jim Newton

• October 17, 2025

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern with the state seal of California during a press event. A monitor with the words, "$363M our state surplus Janaury 2025 Forecast" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

California’s chronic deficit looms again as Newsom prepares his last state budget

Gov. Gavin Newsom may run out of reserves and other ways to paper over his last state budget deficit before he eventually runs for president.

By

Dan Walters

• October 17, 2025