election 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom wave to the crowd during a campaign rally at the IBEW-NECA training center in San Leandro on Sept. 8, 2021. Newsom faces the recall election next week. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

Longtime frenemies Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom reach career crossroads

Harris and Newsom quickly climbed political ladders in California to ultimately pursue the presidency. At times they've supported or rivaled each other.

By

Dan Walters

• September 25, 2025

A person wearing a dark suit and red tie stands in front of a background filled with American flags. The individual is pointing forward with a determined expression, emphasizing a stance of confidence and focus amidst the patriotic setting.

Commentary

Presidential election reveals big shift in California voting patterns. Will it last?

Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2025

The exterior of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles.

Commentary

Los Angeles County’s chief executive will be one of California’s most powerful political gigs

A minor miracle occurred when Los Angeles County voters last year approved several governance reforms, including creating an elected county executive, a position that would be second in California's real-world power only to governor.

By

Dan Walters

• June 3, 2025

A sign warning against selling fentanyl in Placer County hangs over Taylor Road in Loomis on July 24, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Californians made it clear they want a different approach to addiction and homelessness

Instead of pushing harm reduction strategies to reduce drug overdoses, a county district attorney believes a recently approved ballot measure, Proposition 36, strikes the right balance to break the cycles fueling addiction and homelessness.

By Vern Pierson • January 27, 2025

Politics

2024 in California photos: Campus protests, floods, election shifts and more

It's been a long year. Take a look back at 2024 with CalMatters visual journalists.

By

CalMatters Visuals Team

• December 27, 2024

A person wearing outdoor gear and carrying a backpack walks along the edge of a shallow stream in a grassy meadow. Dense evergreen trees line the background, with snow-dappled mountains visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Why mountain meadows should be a priority for California’s new climate bond

More than half of California's Sierra meadows have been degraded or lost. Given their vital role assisting with water storage, carbon sequestration and providing a habitat to wildlife, investments from the newly passed Proposition 4 could boost ongoing restoration work.

By Ryan Burnett • December 26, 2024

A person sits in a chair looks downwards while placing their right hand on their forehead as they hold a frame of their loved one with their left hand.

Justice

California’s jail population will rise due to Prop. 36. So will inmate deaths, advocates say

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

By

Nigel Duara

• December 17, 2024

People wait in line on the sidewalk of a light brown building during election day. Some people hold their ballot envelops in their hands.

Commentary

Political division only benefits Trump, billionaires. Why Californians need to come together

Many post-election reactions blamed Democrats for certain beliefs or policies, but these narratives overlooked the ways billionaires sought to divide voters. A new group wants to bring Californians who are sick of politics but believe in inclusive values together.

By John Kim and Sabrina Smith • December 16, 2024

A person wearing a black shirt pushes a blue shopping cart as they pass by a cooler labeled "fresh eggs" and filled with egg containers at a grocery store.

Commentary

Californians are sour about economy. Their votes this year reflected it

A new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California helps quantify the economic unrest in Vice President Kamala Harris's home state and the frustration voters expressed at the ballot box.

By

Dan Walters

• December 10, 2024

A man in a red tie and suit is gesturing to a crowd while on stage behind bulletproof glass at a political rally.

Elections

Did your county back Trump more this time than in 2020?

The president-elect increased his vote share in 45 of 58 California counties in 2024. And Kamala Harris won 1.8 million fewer votes statewide than Joe Biden in 2020.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• December 5, 2024

Election 2024