Es oficial: California elige a Xavier Becerra para reemplazar a Gavin Newsom.
El demócrata Xavier Becerra ganó fácilmente la contienda por la gobernación en el estado demócrata más poblado del país.
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Prop. 40’s failure points to the tax California already pays for its wealth: Politics overrun by money
The playbook for defeating the the billionaire tax was simple: Stoke economic fears and confuse Californians.
What happened in California’s election while you were sleeping
The blue tsunami was bigger than almost any Democrat could dream up. Democrats not only reclaimed control of the House by a decisive margin, but they flipped the Senate too, claiming seats in deep red states like Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas. That gives the party a powerful check on President Donald Trump in his
Governor-elect Becerra must quickly confront state budget mess Newsom left behind
Xavier Becerra has won California's race for governor. Just days after he is inaugurated in January, he will have to submit a new budget. He faces a stark choice.
California accepts big broadband money from Trump — but not the terms and conditions
California accepted $1.4 billion in federal broadband funding while saying it will stand behind state net neutrality laws the program forbids.
Update: Who’s winning California’s statewide races?
Besides picking a new governor, California voters are electing an insurance commissioner, attorney general, superintendent, treasurer and controller.
Update: What we know about results in all 14 California ballot propositions
California's 14 s ballot measures include a billionaire tax, voter ID, changes to recall elections, and a bid to speed up building by limiting environmental reviews.
¿Controlarán los demócratas el Congreso? Su camino pasa por California. No te pierdas estas contiendas
Estas son las elecciones más trascendentales a la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos en el estado de California, que podrían determinar el control del Congreso, así como el futuro rumbo del Partido Demócrata.
Live Election Day updates: Democrats on track to sweep all statewide offices
Californians are choosing a new governor and voting on 14 ballot propositions. Stay with us as we cover election events and results.
Prop. 38: This billionaire-backed measure would approve $8.4 billion for health research
Supporters say Prop. 38 is needed to ensure health research dollars keep flowing even as Trump tries to cut science. Opponents say the measure is poorly written, lacks transparency and seems to heavily benefit one particular nonprofit.
Billions on the line for schools as voters decide Prop. 3 high-income tax
Proposition 3 would make permanent an income tax on the wealthy to fund K-12 schools and other services.
California housing bonds: Voters pass Prop. 37, Prop. 1
The two borrowing measures — Propositions 1 and 37 — tackle the state’s affordable housing crisis in very different ways and by targeting very different constituencies.
Prop. 4: Will California allow public campaign financing for state, local candidates?
Prop. 4 would allow the state and most local governments to set up public campaign financing if they choose to. Supporters say it would curb private money in politics and diversify the pool of candidates. Critics doubt its effectiveness and say taxpayers should not subsidize campaigns.
Prop. 45 trailing in early returns; Measure would reshape landmark state environmental law
Backed by business groups and opposed by environmentalists, Prop. 45 would put deadlines on environmental reviews and lawsuits for housing, water, broadband and transit projects.
Prop. 44 fails: Clinics defeat measures that would have restricted their spending
California voters have overwhelmingly rejected Proposition 44, which would have required community health clinics to spend at least 90% of their revenue on program services. With 81.7% of voters against it on Tuesday, the measure was defeated as polling had indicated. A Public Policy Institute of California survey in…
California chooses next insurance commissioner: Jane Kim or Ben Allen
Californians are choosing a new insurance commissioner after almost a decade of deadly wildfires that threw the state’s property insurance market into a crisis from which it is still trying to recover. Two Democrats are competing for the position for the first time. Jane Kim, the former San Francisco supervisor, wants…
California’s legislative races put tech-backed Democrats and Republican gains to the test
California voters are deciding whether Republicans will hold onto seats they flipped in 2024 and whether business-backed groups can help elect more moderate Democrats.
What we’re watching today: 14 props, Congress in the balance
Election Day is here and it’s an exciting one. Tonight we’ll start to learn which party controls Congress in the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term, whether Californians want to tax billionaires and if Democrats will continue a run that dates to 2010 of winning every statewide office. We have reporters…
Prop. 5: Will California voters change the rules for recall elections?
Democrats want to make recalls simply about whether an official should be recalled, not about who should replace them. The contest looked to be a toss-up going into Election Day, with the no side holding a small edge.
Prop. 43: Should it be harder to raise local taxes for specific services?
California’s Prop. 43 would require two-thirds of votes to pass any local taxes that pay for specific services, such as wildfire prevention, education and healthcare.
California adopted a new water plan. It’s unlikely to end the state’s water wars
The state's Water Resources Control Board passed a revised water flow plan, but both farmers and environmentalists dislike it. Newsom wants to portray it as a truce.
Will Californians vote to save more tax revenue in rainy day fund?
Prop. 2 would allow California leaders to sock away up to 20% of the state’s general fund tax revenue, double the current cap of 10%. It would also require the state to save more when revenue is growing faster.
Will Democrats control Congress? Their path runs through California. Watch these races
These are the most consequential U.S. House races in California, which could determine control of Congress as well as the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Resultados electorales de California en directo
Los resultados de las elecciones de 2026 en California para gobernador, proposiciones, otras posiciones estatales, Congreso y la Legislatura.
Should California voters be required to show their ID to cast a ballot?
California voters will decide if they should prove their citizenship in order to vote under Proposition 39.
Live California election results
Leer en español. As the votes are counted for California’s elections, we’ve got you covered with stories on all the key races, plus continually updated results below starting at 8 p.m. Pacific time. Follow breaking news from the CalMatters team throughout the day by reading our live blog. In close contests, it could…
Prop. 5: Will California voters change the rules for recall elections?
Democrats want to make recalls simply about whether an official should be recalled, not about who should replace them. The contest looked to be a toss-up going into Election Day, with the no side holding a small edge.
In California governor’s race, voters choose between experienced liberal and upstart conservative
Polls have for months widely favored Democrat Xavier Becerra for governor in the most populous Democratic state in the country. Republican Steve Hilton is banking on dissatisfaction with the cost of living to get independents and even some liberals to consider him.
Californians vote on nation’s first wealth tax on billionaires
Some of the state’s wealthiest residents have spent hundreds of millions to defeat Prop. 40, the “billionaire tax.” Supporters say billionaires should pay their “fair share” and help fund social services.
Know a young adult? Tell them in California you can register and vote on Election Day
An estimated 1.4 million young Californians who are eligible to vote are not registered. Many just need a little help or a push but don’t receive it.
Former Assembly staffer claims retaliation, hostile work environment in lawsuit
A former employee of Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco sued the Downey Democrat and her chief of staff, alleging that they retaliated against him for requesting medical leave and whistleblowing, subjected him to a baseless theft investigation and excluded him from meetings.
Supreme Court declines to hear Trump’s California 20,000 ballot case. Here’s what to know
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to issue an emergency ruling in the Trump Administration’s case to sequester 20,000 ballots. Here’s what to know about the ongoing, unprecedented legal attack on California’s elections.
Cuidado con el “espejismo rojo” si los republicanos de California obtienen ventaja la noche de las elecciones
En California, el recuento de votos puede tardar semanas, lo que puede dar lugar a "espejismos rojos" y "cambios demócratas".
¿Necesitas más ayuda financiera para la universidad? Esta nueva ley te facilitará solicitarla
Una nueva ley de California exigirá que las universidades informen claramente a los estudiantes sobre cómo solicitar ayuda financiera adicional si consideran que la cantidad otorgada no es suficiente. Las instituciones también deberán publicar cómo calculan los costos de asistencia, que se utilizan para determinar la…
Los residuos nucleares de San Onofre están almacenados en la playa: ¿Aceptará otra comunidad hacerse cargo de ellos?
Los residuos nucleares de San Onofre han estado almacenados en una playa durante años. Este legislador quiere encontrar una comunidad dispuesta a recibirlos.
¿Por qué los miembros del consejo escolar no se presentan a la reelección? “Mucha desilusión”
Miembros de consejos escolares citaron una serie de razones para no presentarse a la reelección, entre ellas la preocupación por los recortes presupuestarios y los conflictos laborales, las redadas de inmigración que afectan a las escuelas y a los jóvenes, y un clima político hostil en general.
These CA Election Day rules could block news coverage of voting
Some California counties are issuing guidelines restricting the press from documenting Election Day proceedings at polling places in ways that appear to violate state statutes and the First Amendment. A coalition of media outlets, led by CalMatters, and a First Amendment advocacy group sent a letter to Kern County…
Why school board members aren’t running for reelection: ‘A lot of disillusionment’
School board members cited a slew of reasons for not running for reelection, including distress over budget cuts and labor strife, immigration raids affecting schools and youth and an overall hostile political climate.
The ‘affordability’ crisis is also a crisis of broken trust in the American Dream
“Affordability” is the gap between what things cost and what you can afford to spend, yes, but it’s more than that.
San Onofre’s nuclear waste is stored on the beach: Will another community agree to take it?
San Onofre’s nuclear waste has been stored on a beach for years. This lawmaker wants to find a community willing to take it.
Counties’ Election Day rules may block news coverage of voting, civil rights groups warn
Some of California’s most populous counties are issuing guidelines restricting the press from documenting Election Day proceedings at polling places in ways that appear to violate state statutes and the First Amendment.
Beware the ‘red mirage’ if California Republicans have an election night lead
Don’t be fooled by early election returns. It can take California weeks to tally votes, leading to “red mirages” and “blue shifts.”
Need more financial aid for college? This new law will make it easier to ask for it
A new California law will require colleges and universities to clearly inform students how to request additional financial aid if they believe their awarded amount is not enough. Institutions must also publish how they calculate their costs of attendance, which is used to determine how much financial aid students…
California police union takes on a Supreme Court justice in new campaign
California's largest law enforcement union is urging voters to oust Supreme Court Justice Kelli Evans with a last-minute campaign before Election Day.
Para que conste: El hombre de Fresno deportado por ICE tenía antecedentes de cruces ilegales
Según las autoridades federales, Luis Arreguin había sido deportado cinco veces antes de su reciente arresto por motivos de inmigración en el condado de Fresno.
Dolores Huerta’s legacy is the generations of labor activists she inspired from the frontlines
Dolores Huerta was an inspirational role model, a militant who named and shaped the world, writes a UC Berkeley professor reflecting on the labor icon's legacy.
Candidatos de California están dando instrucciones discretas sobre cómo atacar a sus oponentes. Así es como funciona
Una investigación de CalMatters reveló que más de una docena de candidatos legislativos parecen estar proporcionando material de campaña a grupos de interés especiales externos para que lo utilicen en su nombre.
Cómo la Proposición 45 podría alterar las luchas en California contra los centros de datos
La Proposición 45, presentada como una medida a favor del desarrollo de viviendas, podría tener la consecuencia no deseada de facilitar la construcción de centros de datos, según afirman sus detractores.
Departamento de Justicia cita a declarar a funcionarios electorales de California a pesar de la orden del juez de que dejen de amenazarlos
Funcionarios federales entregaron el jueves una citación judicial a la oficina del Registro Electoral del Condado de Orange.
Jane Kim and Ben Allen squabble over state-run wildfire insurance
How do you distinguish between the two Democrats running for insurance commissioner? Well, one of them wants state-backed public insurance. We have more on that, as well as details on a move campaigns are using to dodge spending limits this fall. But we have more than election news in your inbox today. California…
California’s campaign drama entices political junkies, but serious issues get short shrift
For those who just want effective governance that addresses the multitude of challenges California faces, the campaign season has been drearily disappointing.
14 California lawmakers are posting not-so-secret instructions on how to attack their opponents
A CalMatters investigation found more than a dozen legislative candidates appear to be providing campaign materials for outside special interest groups to use on their behalf.
Google and Meta spent big this election cycle. Is Big Tech trying to ‘buy the Legislature’?
Tech interests have spent tens of millions of dollars this year on state legislative races alone. Industry advocates say they want to protect innovation from overregulation.
How Prop. 45 could reshape California’s fight over data centers
Prop. 45, billed as a pro-housing development measure, may have the unintended consequence of making it easier to build data centers, opponents say.
California can’t afford to keep Prop. 13 loopholes open when billions of dollars are on the line
Proposition 13 was sold as a way to save retirees' homes from rising property taxes. It became a permanent discount for rich, corporate property owners.
Has the Trump administration doomed Newsom’s water plan?
California approved Newsom’s Delta water rules, but Trump threatens to pull out and $740M with it. Water agencies that once backed the deal call it too strict; environmentalists say it’s too weak.
For the record: Fresno man deported by ICE had previous illegal crossings
Luis Arreguin had been deported five times before his recent immigration arrest in Fresno County, according to federal authorities.
DOJ subpoenas California election officials, despite judge’s order to stop threatening them
Federal officials delivered a subpoena to Orange County Registrar of Voters’s office on Thursday.
Did Trump invest more money in rural California health ahead of the election?
The Trump administration announced $233 million for rural California healthcare Thursday. Here’s where the money comes from.
El director de la agencia ferroviaria de alta velocidad de California renuncia en medio de un escándalo por gastos de viaje
Ian Choudri, quien ha dirigido la agencia ferroviaria desde 2024, deja un legado problemático marcado por problemas presupuestarios, retrasos en los proyectos y diversos escándalos, incluidos viajes cuestionables de consultores financiados con fondos públicos.
“Mi vida entera quedó destruida”: un padre de Fresno, con 49 años en Estados Unidos, fue deportado repentinamente
Luis Arreguin, padre de cuatro hijos, vivió 49 años en Estados Unidos. El ICE tardó solo 16 días en extraditarlo a México tras detenerlo en Fresno.
Un juez rechaza la solicitud del gobierno de Trump para anular 20,000 votos electorales de California
Un juez federal se negó a ordenar a California que apartara 20,000 papeletas, citando un "patrón de intentos de interferencia electoral" por parte de la administración Trump.
Homelessness declines, but still up over Newsom’s two terms
We’ve got so much news in today’s WhatMatters: The latest homeless numbers, a brand new tool and the passing of an icon whose work transcended the California farmworker movement and became a worldwide symbol for human rights. We also have some breaking news this morning. The head of California’s high-speed rail agency…
Dolores Huerta “se mantuvo en la lucha” durante siete décadas, inspirando a generaciones de californianos
La figura emblemática del movimiento obrero, Dolores Huerta, influyó en generaciones de californianos que se inspiraron en su defensa de los derechos civiles, los trabajadores agrícolas y los inmigrantes.
Bass-Raman mayoral race has avoided the identity politics that dominate LA’s history
The L.A. mayoral race has not been marked by racial divisions or differences over immigration, assimilation or cultural hegemony. That represents a break from recent political history.
California turf war between universities and community colleges needs a rational resolution
New laws expanding bachelor's degrees community colleges can offer contain so many conditions, they added to the conflict among the schools.
Head of California high-speed rail agency resigns amid travel expenses scandal
Ian Choudri, who has led the train agency since 2024, leaves a troublesome legacy marked by budget woes, project delays and various scandals, including questionable taxpayer-funded trips by consultants.
Judge rejects Trump administration bid to set aside 20,000 California ballots
A federal judge refused to order California to set aside 20,000 ballots, citing a 'pattern of attempted election interference' by the Trump administration
Lawsuit claims lawmaker retaliated against employee for reporting misconduct
A former staffer for Democratic Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías accuses the lawmaker of whistleblower retaliation and racial discrimination in a recently filed lawsuit.
Dolores Huerta ‘stayed in the fight’ for 7 decades, inspiring generations of Californians
Labor icon Dolores Huerta influenced generations of Californians who were inspired by her advocacy for civil rights, farmworkers and immigrants.
New poll shows billionaire tax falling behind as election nears
Californians’ appetite for a first-in-the-nation wealth tax appears to be waning. With less than a week before Election Day, support for Proposition 40, a proposed billionaire tax, is now under water, according to the latest poll by Public Policy Institute of California. Published Tuesday, the survey found that 46% of…
‘My whole life got destroyed:’ Fresno father, 49 years in the United States, suddenly deported
Luis Arreguin, a father of four, lived for 49 years in the United States. It took just 16 days for ICE to send him to Mexico after detaining him in Fresno.
For LA fire survivors awaiting federal disaster aid, the midterms could be key
Long-term disaster recovery for the Los Angeles fires depends on federal funding. FEMA has indicated less support for states, but California lawmakers think Democratic wins in November could change things.
Sacramento-area community college tries to fool voters by claiming bond won’t raise taxes
Los Rios Community College District's ballot language saying a proposed $1.1 billion in bonds will cause "no increase in tax rates" isn't aboveboard.
What local election officials found in Trump’s new claims about California voters
The Trump administration is demanding that almost every California county review its claims that noncitizens are registered to vote. Some of the information appears outdated, officials say.
Judge says Trump could disenfranchise voters in purge of noncitizens from election rolls
A federal judge is unlikely to issue a final ruling on the Trump administration's claim that noncitizens are registered to vote in California until after Election Day.
Ponte al día rápidamente sobre las elecciones de California con nuestra guía para los indecisos
Los californianos tendrán una papeleta repleta de opciones para las elecciones de noviembre de 2026, que incluyen la elección a gobernador, escaños en el Congreso y 14 propuestas. No pierdas la oportunidad de hacer que tu voto cuente.
En la recta final: Entérate de lo que ha sucedido hasta ahora en la contienda por la gobernación de California
Durante semanas, el republicano Steve Hilton ha intentado todo tipo de estrategias para impulsar su candidatura en la contienda por la gobernación de California. Al parecer, no ha surtido mucho efecto.
Los californianos se rebelan contra los drones policiales tras su rápida adopción en todo el estado
En toda California, los departamentos de policía están expandiendo rápidamente los programas de "Drones como primera respuesta", lo que ha provocado una fuerte discusión pública sobre la vigilancia sin orden judicial y el abuso de poder por parte de las empresas.
¿Bloquearán los republicanos el acceso de los demócratas al Congreso si ganan las elecciones de mitad de mandato? Les preguntamos
CalMatters preguntó a los nueve congresistas republicanos de California si habían firmado un compromiso para acatar los resultados de las elecciones de mitad de mandato. Esto fue lo que respondieron.
Get up to speed fast on the California election with our guide for the still undecided
Californians have a full ballot for the November 2026 election, including a governor's race, congressional seats and 14 propositions. Don’t miss your chance to make your ballot count.
What if Dems win, but Congress ignores the result?
Democrats are ahead in the polls and appear to be on track to flip at least one branch of Congress next week. But if they win, would Republicans refuse to accept the results? That may sound impossible, but memories of Jan. 6 led a bipartisan pair of federal lawmakers to urge their colleagues in Congress
AI and social media bans won’t make California kids safer online. It may even be harmful
Banning children's access to digital technologies sounds protective, but the evidence so far mostly suggests it is not.
California is about to overhaul the way it runs K-12 schools. Will it fix a fragmented system?
For more than a century the state’s K-12 system has been fragmented between the state superintendent of public instruction, State Board of Education, governor’s office, the Legislature, local school boards and a dozen other entities.
The final stretch: Catch up on what’s happened in the California governor’s race so far
For weeks, Republican Steve Hilton has tried every trick in the book to boost his candidacy in the California governor’s race. It doesn’t appear to have made a big difference.
Californians revolt against police drones after rapid adoption across state
Across California, police departments are rapidly expanding "Drone as First Responder" programs, triggering intense public backlash over warrantless surveillance and corporate overreach.
Will California Republicans block Democrats from Congress if they win the midterms?
California’s congressional Republicans haven’t signed a pledge agreeing to abide by the midterm elections results.
Despite lame duck status, Newsom could take a final shot at utilities’ liability for wildfires
At the end of the legislative session, a bill failed that Gov. Gavin Newsom had hoped would reduce utilities' financial hit when their equipment starts fires.
¿Por qué hay tantos bonos en la boleta electoral de California? Esto es lo que se podría comprar con 44 mil millones de dólares.
Los californianos decidirán sobre una emisión de bonos de 44 mil millones de dólares cuando voten sobre las Proposiciones 1, 37 y 38. Dicha emisión se destinaría a financiar viviendas e investigación médica.
Los barrios latinos de Los Ángeles respaldaron a Karen Bass en junio. ¿Seguirán apoyándola en noviembre?
Un análisis de CalMatters reveló que la alcaldesa de Los Ángeles, Karen Bass, superó ampliamente a la oposición en los distritos electorales de mayoría latina en junio. La contienda podría depender de si los votantes latinos la apoyan.
Guía de última hora para los votantes sobre las 14 propuestas en la boleta electoral de California
Los californianos están votando sobre 14 medidas sometidas a referéndum, entre las que se incluyen propuestas sobre impuestos, el derecho al voto, la sanidad, la vivienda y el medio ambiente. Es mucha información que asimilar, pero estamos aquí para ayudarte.
A house divided? California YIMBYs disagree on Prop. 45
Does more housing mean more sprawl? Traditional supporters of building more homes are split over a ballot measure that backers say would create more California homes. As CalMatters’ Ben Christopher explains, Proposition 45 would limit environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act. It would help…
New reforms give California’s next governor a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape education
California's governor will have more power over schools because they'll appoint a newly created education commissioner. The reform also changed the state superintendent's job.
Who’s spending money on the California insurance commissioner race
Jane Kim and Ben Allen have promised not to take insurance money, but an outside PAC supporting Allen has received industry donations.
Why are pro-housing groups split on Proposition 45?
Proposition 45 is intended to make it easier to build. But some pro-housing groups worry it will only lead to more sprawl.
Gen Z has very different views on taxes than Boomers, but one generation votes more often
Surveys show an age gap across the top issues on California's ballot, including taxing billionaires and requiring IDs to vote. But while Gen Z makes up 30% of the state’s eligible voters, they are far less likely to vote than their counterparts age 55 and older.
In prison, wheelchair basketball offers a chance at reinvention
At California Medical Facility, playing a sport helps men practice new ways of thinking and form bonds that remain outside of prison walls.
A last-minute voter guide to all 14 propositions on the California ballot
Californians are voting on 14 ballot measures, including propositions on taxes, voting, healthcare, housing and the environment. It's a lot to take in, but we're here to help.
Why are so many bonds on the California ballot? Here’s what $44 billion would buy
Californians will decide on $44 billion in bonds when the vote on Propositions 1, 37 and 38. They'd take out debt to pay for housing and medical research.
Lo que sabemos sobre los resultados de las 14 propuestas electorales de California
Las 14 propuestas electorales de California incluyen un impuesto a los multimillonarios, la identificación de votantes, cambios en las elecciones revocatorias y un intento de acelerar la construcción limitando las evaluaciones ambientales.