California Republicans

Two people sit on chairs set up on a small stage overlooking a crowd. The person on the left wears a gray suit blazer with a white shirt, and the person on the right wears a navy suit blazer with a white shirt. Banners with images of rural life can be seen behind them.

Politics

Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy

Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 2, 2026

Commentary

It’s supposed to be a race for governor, but candidates and voters seem disengaged

Two Republican candidates are leading the pack of 10 main candidates for governor, while lukewarm Democratic support is split eight ways.

By

Dan Walters

• March 20, 2026

Candidates stand at podiums on stage during a televised debate titled “The Race for California Governor,” while moderators sit at a desk to the side and an audience watches from the theater seating.

Commentary

Now that we know who’s running for governor, here’s what happens next

Ten candidates will appear on the June 2 ballot, but only two can move on. Which two? None of the candidates got more than 14% support in a recent poll.

By

Dan Walters

• March 10, 2026

A U.S. lawmaker sits at a desk with a microphone during a congressional hearing. A nameplate reading “Rep. Issa” is visible on the desk in front of them, with wood-paneled seating and other officials in the background.

Politics

GOP Rep. Darrell Issa to retire rather than run in redrawn San Diego district

The 12-term congressman said Friday that he will not seek reelection in his new district, which was redrawn after Prop. 50 to favor Democrats.

By

Nadia Lathan

• March 6, 2026

Politics

These public documents are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

The letters lobbyists submit to the Legislature are public documents, but they are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

By

Ryan Sabalow

• March 3, 2026

An aerial view of vehicles driving through a highway surrounded by farmland on both ends.

Politics

California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

California’s gas is so radioactive, even a bill to study alternatives is fraught. Rural officials are frustrated over the partisan fight because their local industries depend on well-maintained roads.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 2, 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