election 2024

A person in a blue blazer, and an unbuttoned white shirt, stands in front of cameras during a press conference. The view point is from behind the cameras, showing the person at center.

Politics

Don’t expect Kamala Harris’ loss to boost Gavin Newsom’s presidential prospects

California’s governor faces a lot of obstacles to a plausible run for president in 2028, even if he does help lead the resistance to Donald Trump.

By

Alexei Koseff

• November 6, 2024

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and other California lawmakers stand amongst burnt structures, rubble and debris at a mobile home park that was destroyed during a wildfire.

Commentary

California will likely feel the consequences of Donald Trump’s decisive victory

There's no reason to believe that Donald Trump will not continue using California as a punching bag during his second stint as president. But many may wonder what Kamala Harris's defeat now means for Gavin Newsom's ambitions.

By

Dan Walters

• November 6, 2024

A person pushes a shopping cart while holding an umbrella, casting a shadow against a sleek metallic wall that forms a curved, architectural backdrop. The scene includes a yellow fire hydrant on the right, adding a pop of color to the otherwise muted setting.

Justice

Why Californians got tougher on crime: Bleak downtowns and attention-getting retail thefts

Californians overwhelmingly backed Prop. 36 to lengthen criminal sentences for certain theft and drug offenses, and to direct more people to drug treatment after convictions. Voters’ views changed on public safety after the COVID-19 pandemic.

By

Nigel Duara

and

Joe Garcia

• November 6, 2024

A person wearing a hijab and purple sweatshirt inserts a pink ballot into a pink ballot box at a polling place.

Elections

Wrapping up the California vote, uncertain and mixed results for Democrats

Against a national red wave, Californians sent a top Trump nemesis to the US Senate, and favored Democrats in House and state races. But they also toughened criminal sentences and rejected more rent control.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Sameea Kamal

• November 6, 2024

Elections

California voters pass Prop. 34 health care spending rules

Prop. 34 is about healthcare spending. But it will also likely quash the controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s fight for rent control.

By

Marisa Kendall

• November 5, 2024

Elections

California voters give Medi-Cal doctors a raise by passing Prop. 35

California's health care industry mostly united behind Proposition 35, which would bolster Medi-Cal by dedicating money for it from a tax on health insurance plans.

By

Kristen Hwang

• November 5, 2024

A stack of empty five-gallon water containers at Shady Lane Estates in Thermal on March 23, 2023. According to some residents, there is no clean drinking water from the mobile park, so these five-gallon containers are their only option. Pablo Unzueta for CalMatter

Elections

Prop. 4 passes: Californians approve $10 billion for water, wildfire, climate projects

California voters approved Prop. 4's $10 billion in bonds for environmental projects, with about $2 billion going toward protecting drinking water.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• November 5, 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

Politics

California proposition to ban forced prison labor trails in early election results

The California Constitution permits involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, a practice that advocates liken to slavery. Prop. 6 would repeal that language and allow incarcerated people to prioritize rehabilitation.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• November 5, 2024

Students line up to enter their classrooms at Keyes Elementary School in Keyes on Nov. 15, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

K-12 Education

Voters agree to fix up California schools. $10 billion construction bond passes

Lea esta historia en Español With California’s fund for school repairs on empty, voters approved a $10 billion bond to pay for much-needed upgrades at K-12 schools and community colleges. “This is very good news for all students,” said Adam Clark, superintendent of Mt. Diablo Unified in Contra Costa County. “In our district, we have […]

By

Carolyn Jones

• November 5, 2024

A person holding a Pride flag while lined-up behind a barricade during a parade.

Elections

Same-sex marriage gains constitutional protections as California voters approve Prop. 3

California voters passed Proposition 3, which enshrines the right to marry into the state’s constitution. While same-sex marriage is already legal, Prop. 3 ensures that LGBTQ+ couples can continue to marry even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns landmark cases.

By

Adam Echelman

• November 5, 2024

Election 2024