election 2024

Capitol

Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer

The tech giant spent $10.7 million lobbying the Legislature and governor from July through September during a media bill fight. It also showered elected officials with $107,500 in campaign cash on one day in September.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• November 13, 2024

A person wearing a red 'Trump' hat and jersey holds a large flag that reads 'Trump 2024' with an image of Donald Trump over a U.S. flag backdrop. They face a line of cars, some with passengers who have their arms raised, as they drive along a coastal road bordered by rugged cliffs and tall palm trees, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Commentary

Democrats still dominate California, but their voters have drifted to the right

Decades ago, Republicans and Democrats were evenly matched in California until the latter became the dominant party in the late 1990s. Last week's election moved the state's ideological needle a little to the right.

By

Dan Walters

• November 13, 2024

A view through a window labeled "VOTE CENTER" shows several people inside a room with tables and chairs, participating in voting activities. Some are seated at tables, filling out forms, while others are standing and interacting with each other. The room is well-lit, with a neutral-colored carpet and fluorescent ceiling lights.

Commentary

A message to Gen Z Californians: Let’s make history not for what we faced but how we overcame it

As California confronts what another four years under President Donald Trump means, Gen Z should respond not with exasperation but courage to lead.

By Ayo Banjo • November 11, 2024

California prison laborers and an excavator operator help construct an emergency pipeline to increase supplies of potable water in Willits in 2014. REUTERS/Noah Berger

Elections

Anti-slavery measure Prop. 6 fails, allowing forced labor to continue in California prisons

Other states, including Nevada, are deleting references to slavery in their constitutions and banning forced prison labor. California voters rejected that path when they turned down Prop. 6.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• November 10, 2024

A blue road sign, with yellow lettering reads, "Welcome to California." Three orange poppies are also visible on the sign. A wildfire burns behind some hills in the background. Orange wildfire smoke fills the air.

Environment

Here we go again: California prepares to battle Trump over environmental policies

A lot is at stake with the new Trump administration: California’s water projects, its unique authority to clean its air, federal support for offshore wind and disaster aid for wildfires.

By

Julie Cart

,

Alejandro Lazo

,

Alastair Bland

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• November 8, 2024

An inmate's cell in the inmate housing unit at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on Sept. 18, 2023. In 2022, Tulare County had eight inmate deaths in their facility, the deadliest year in the jail’s history. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

How Proposition 36 convinced Californians to vote against their political views

Many are asking: Is the movement for criminal justice reform in California dead? The answer is no.

By Michelle Parris • November 8, 2024

Alard Gavorkian, an unhoused woman in downtown Los Angeles, tends to her belongings on Jan. 29, 2022. Photo by Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

Commentary

With Measure A, Los Angeles voters embrace a bigger response to homelessness

As a red wave overtakes the nation's political system, Los Angeles County voters sent a signal that liberal policies to address homelessness are still desired with Measure A poised to pass.

By

Jim Newton

• November 7, 2024

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, identifiable by a patch on their uniform, stands near an open van door, observing a group of people approaching. The scene is outdoors in a rural area with dry, rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The individuals walking towards the van carry personal belongings and appear to be guided or escorted by the officer.

Elections

Trump’s deportation plan brings fear and sadness at California’s border

The president-elect’s border policies could hit trade, privacy, and immigrant families living in California.

By

Wendy Fry

• November 7, 2024

Justice

California beat Trump in court his first term. It’s preparing new cases for his second

California sued the Trump administration more than 100 times in his first term and secured some major victories on the environment, immigration and health care.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

and

Nigel Duara

• November 7, 2024

Four white voting booths with American flags and the word "VOTE" emblazoned on the side are visible. A person wearing a baseball cap casts a ballot in one of the booths. They're located in a room, reminiscent of a community center.

Commentary

In deeply blue California, voters don’t always march to Democratic drums

California is one of the nation’s bluest states. However, the state’s voters engaged in some serious ticket-splitting this week, implying that they are not as wedded to the dominant party and its ideological causes as widely assumed.

By

Dan Walters

• November 7, 2024

Election 2024