California Governor

Politics

California governor’s race: See the candidates’ incomes and tax payments

Here’s a snapshot of the top candidates for governor’s incomes and taxes. Billionaire Tom Steyer dwarfs them all.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 28, 2026

A blue sign advertising gas prices from $5.99 to $6.39 per gallon towers over a clear blue sky at a gas station.

Politics

Some California Democrats pitch gas price relief as prices at the pump soar

Experts say the latest gas price spike is driven by global oil markets and the Iran conflict, while California’s higher base price stems from refinery closures, the state’s market and environmental rules.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Alejandro Lazo

• March 18, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with their hands. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, and U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

For California Democrats, single-payer health care is back. Voters have heard it before

The progressive goal of single-payer health care has become a staple of Democratic platforms, even if it faces as many hurdles as ever.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 4, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with one raised finger. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, with U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

California Democrats can’t pick a favorite as 9 candidates vie to replace Newsom

Nine Democrats, one party endorsement, zero consensus. California's gubernatorial hopefuls woo delegates while anxiety grows about a GOP lockout.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 22, 2026

Four speakers sit onstage in armchairs for a moderated panel discussion, with an audience watching from the foreground. Behind them are purple backdrops reading “Health Matters” and “La Salud Importa,” lit by spotlights.

Politics

Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lag

It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 3, 2026

A close-up view of person wearing a blue suit as they look up.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s autobiography adds struggle to a story of a politically privileged past

Gavin Newsom follows previous Democratic presidential hopefuls by publishing a campaign book implying he didn't have everything handed to him.

By

Dan Walters

• February 3, 2026

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

A wide-view of a classroom as students sit in round tables and raise their hands in the air.

Commentary

California’s education leadership mishmash makes it hard to know who’s accountable

Experts say there are too many confusing layers in state and local education governance. The governor should hire the state's schools chief.

By

Dan Walters

• December 4, 2025

Moderators watch as candidates stand at podiums on a stage during a televised debate.

Politics

Who’s running for California governor? Here’s a look at the official field of candidates

A few moments of controversy have touched an otherwise sleepy, wide open race to be California’s next governor.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• December 2, 2025

A person wearing glasses speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk in a government hearing room, with nameplates visible on the desks and other people blurred in the background.

Politics

Democrat Eric Swalwell joins crowded California governor’s race to succeed Gavin Newsom

The seven-term congressmember is running on protecting Californians from the Trump administration and from rising prices. While he’s developed a reputation as a professional GOP antagonist, the challenge will be proving he has what it takes to deliver on the elusive affordability promise.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 21, 2025