The top-two primary was supposed to change California politics. Did it flop?
By Ben Christopher and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. For all the talk of a…
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More candidates are using their personal wealth to campaign than ever before. Should voters care?
By Jeremia Kimelman and Kate Li, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When a candidate invests their personal…
Five takeaways from California’s election, from Congress to the governor’s race
By Ben Christopher, CalMattersThis story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. It was a good night for normie Democrats, a bad…
Top Democratic candidates agree on housing urgency, not the fix
In the governor’s race, Steyer backs sweeping reforms and Becerra stresses enforcement. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main The leading Democratic candidates for governor in California…
In California Governor Race, Single-Payer Is a Litmus Test. There’s Still No Way To Pay for It.
By Christine Mai-Duc May 8, 2026 When Gavin Newsom ran for California governor in 2018, his support for a state-run single-payer healthcare system was considered…
In California governor’s race, Xavier Becerra walks away from single-payer
Once an advocate for a universal system, he now focuses on incremental reforms and shielding Californians from federal cuts. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main One…
Governor YIMBY: In California’s unsettled race, most candidates see eye-to-eye on housing
By Ben Christopher, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Earlier this year, in the windowless conference room of…
California voters are about to elect a new state superintendent. It’s barely on the radar
By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The primary for the state’s top K-12 schools job…
A look at the top candidates vying to be California’s controller
By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. In the race for oversight over California’s budget, the…
The race for Supervisor in District One
Four candidates vie for a less-than-famous Sacramento County seat Deborah Ortiz put it best when saying that most Sacramentans concentrate on what the city council…
Who wants to be California’s insurance commissioner? Your guide to the candidates
By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. This article is also available in Spanish. Read it…
In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats
By Ben Christopher, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Selling bonds. Awarding tax credits. Overseeing pension funds. Investing…
Who’s running for Congress in California? These races could determine the majority
By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. California voters could cast the deciding votes this…
Candidates target Steyer, Becerra in free-wheeling California governor debate
By Jeanne Kuang, CalMattersThis story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Six leading Democratic candidates for governor were seeking a breakout…
What could a Republican governor get done in deep-blue California?
Experts say he would likely face a recall, but could still wield power through appointments, vetoes and regulatory boards. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main With…
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help
By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Democrats are searching for a hero to save…
California governor’s race: See the candidates’ incomes and tax payments
By Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. We already knew that Democrat Tom Steyer, a…