Recent articles
May 22, 2026
Biden Won’t Endorse Becerra, or Anyone Else, in California Governor Race
Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is not planning to endorse his health and human services secretary, Xavier Becerra, or any other candidates in the race.
www.nytimes.com
May 15, 2026
5 Key Moments During the California Governor Debate
Candidates have become increasingly combative as they enter the final stretch before the June 2 primary. Once again, Xavier Becerra, a Democratic front-runner, drew most of the attacks.
www.nytimes.com
May 14, 2026
Strategist Tied to Becerra and Newsom Is Expected to Plead Guilty to 3 Felonies
Dana Williamson, a former political strategist for Xavier Becerra and a former aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom, is scheduled to appear in federal court on Thursday.
www.nytimes.com
May 10, 2026
Fearing an All-Republican Governor’s Race, Democrats Push for New Primary Rules in California
The prospect of Democrats getting shut out of the general election for governor has spurred a 2028 effort to eliminate the state’s “top-two” open primary approach.
www.nytimes.com
May 7, 2026
5 Takeaways From the Last Televised California Governor Debate
Candidates debated housing and insurance policy in the first half, then furiously attacked one another at the end.
www.nytimes.com
May 6, 2026
5 Takeaways From the California Gubernatorial Debate
Seven candidates sparred in the first nationally televised debate in the 2026 California governor’s race. Many tried to launch attacks in a last-ditch effort to gain ground on their opponents.
www.nytimes.com
May 5, 2026
A Climate Activist Wants to Run California. Coal Helped Fuel His Wealth.
Questions linger about the finances of Tom Steyer, who has emerged as a leading contender in the California governor’s race. He says he has asked that his money be separated from fossil fuel invest...
www.nytimes.com
April 29, 2026
Takeaways From the California Governor Debate at Pomona College
The candidates felt pressure to differentiate themselves, with ballots going out to voters next week. The result was a more spirited battle than past debates.
www.nytimes.com
April 27, 2026
California Billionaire Tax Has Enough Signatures to Land on Ballot, Backers Say
The measure calls for placing a one-time 5 percent tax on the assets of California residents with at least $1.1 billion. Opponents are backing competing measures to counter the tax.
www.nytimes.com
April 22, 2026
California’s Governor Candidates to Meet in First Major Debate After Swalwell
Six candidates for governor will face off Wednesday night in a race that has been upended by Eric Swalwell’s sudden departure.
www.nytimes.com
April 20, 2026
Democrat Betty Yee Leaves the California Governor’s Race
Betty Yee, the former state controller, had faced pressure to drop out after hovering near the bottom of polls for months. The move could help Democrats begin to unify behind a front-runner.
www.nytimes.com
April 15, 2026
Swalwell’s Exit Injects ‘Chaos’ Into California Governor’s Race
Democratic candidates see sudden voter interest in the sleepy contest as a campaign opportunity. All are scrambling for support from former backers of Eric Swalwell.
www.nytimes.com
April 14, 2026
Resignations of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Set Up Special Election Fights in Texas and California
Aides to Greg Abbott and Gavin Newsom were weighing whether to call quick elections to replace two House members accused of sexual misconduct.
www.nytimes.com
April 12, 2026
California Democrats Rushed to Back Eric Swalwell — and Quickly Abandoned Him
Representative Eric Swalwell, a Washington figure, was largely unknown in the California State Capitol. But influential groups began backing him for governor in the weeks before he was publicly acc...
www.nytimes.com
April 10, 2026
Eric Swalwell Faces Sex Assault Accusation as He Runs for California Governor
Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman, denied the account of a former staff member published by The San Francisco Chronicle. Supporters began to withdraw their endorsements, and several campaign ...
www.nytimes.com
April 7, 2026
How Trump’s Endorsement in California Could Backfire Against Republicans
President Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, a Republican, in the governor’s race, which could help Democrats avoid being shut out of the general election.
www.nytimes.com
March 26, 2026
California Renames Cesar Chavez Holiday After Sex Abuse Revelations
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day as “Farmworkers Day,” moving quickly before the March 31 holiday.
www.nytimes.com
March 24, 2026
California Governor’s Debate Canceled After Criticism Over Lack of Diversity
The debate would have featured six candidates, all white. The inclusion of a low-polling mayor drew scrutiny in particular.
www.nytimes.com
March 20, 2026
What to Know About the Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Cesar Chavez
The accusations of assault have rattled communities across the country that have revered the labor icon for decades.
www.nytimes.com
March 19, 2026
More Cesar Chavez Fallout Expected After Sex Abuse Accusations
Some states and cities have canceled their observances of Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. Los Angeles leaders said they planned to change the holiday to “Farm Workers Day” and untether it from Mr. Ch...
www.nytimes.com
March 13, 2026
Marines Issue Findings on California Shrapnel Incident
The October episode sent shrapnel onto California Highway Patrol vehicles on Interstate 5 during a celebratory exercise conducted for Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
www.nytimes.com
March 11, 2026
Newsom Sees No Imminent Threat After F.B.I. Warning That Iranian Drones Could Attack California
Just before the war began, the Federal Bureau of Investigation told state officials that Iran might respond with drone attacks on California. No specific, credible threats have been identified.
www.nytimes.com
February 26, 2026
Why Are So Many Democrats Running for California Governor?
With California’s political machine on the wane, nobody has emerged as a clear front-runner. Democrats worry that nine of their candidates could split the vote and hand Republicans a win.
www.nytimes.com