The Democratic Central Committee could not come to a consensus on which Santa Cruz City Council and mayoral candidates to endorse, so it will not endorse anyone ahead of the June 2 primary. However, many on the campaign trail say it doesn’t make a difference to them — and might even be a good thing.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy
Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race for California governor. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democratic Central Committee endorses Cummings, Hernandez for supervisor, but fails to reach consensus on SC city races
Following a candidate forum on Tuesday evening, Santa Cruz County’s Democratic Central Committee endorsed incumbents Justin Cummings and Felipe Hernandez for District 3 and 4 county supervisor, respectively. Members couldn’t agree on races for Santa Cruz mayor and city council Districts 4 and 6, meaning the committee will not endorse anyone in those contests.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A messy California governor’s race raises Democratic fears of potential loss
For the first time in a generation, the California governor’s contest is being defined by uncertainty, not inevitability, as a crowded Democratic field could boost Republicans’ chances in the “top two” June primary.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Tech giants are spending more than ever to shape California politics. See how much
Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence California lawmakers and policy. It’s the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Does California’s race for governor finally have a leader? Swalwell sees attacks from left and right
In a wide-open contest ahead of a June primary, a burst of negative publicity aimed at the Democratic U.S. House member suggests that Eric Swalwell’s leading rivals see him gaining momentum in a race that has been overshadowed by international wars, turmoil in Washington and soaring gas prices.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Vote for peace: Jimmy Panetta’s record supporting Israel and war is on the ballot
Local peace activists say Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s continued support for U.S. military aid to Israel has helped shield the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as war spreads across the Middle East. They argue that this funding has contributed to devastating consequences in the Gaza Strip and beyond. The authors say Panetta’s record reflects a growing disconnect with constituents calling for accountability and Palestinian human rights. They urge voters to turn their concern into support for candidates who prioritize peace and to attend an April 25 forum featuring candidates running for Congress in California’s 19th District, currently represented by Panetta.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In a wide-open Democratic primary for governor, 6 candidates converge on Central Coast
Similarly policy-minded Democrats aimed to differentiate themselves on housing, climate, business and wealth and more on Thursday evening as they debated for two hours in Monterey.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Most local races set for June primary election; Santa Cruz mayoral filing period ends Wednesday
The candidate field for the June primary is nearly set, now that all filing deadlines for offices up for election have passed (except for the Santa Cruz mayor’s race, which closes on Wednesday). Here’s how it shakes out.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Recent UCSC grad hopes to be one of youngest elected to California Senate
A recent UC Santa Cruz graduate, 23-year-old Zennon Ulyate-Crow, has launched a campaign for the California state Senate District 24 seat, hoping to become one of the youngest people elected to the chamber. The former Santa Cruz transportation commissioner and student housing advocate says his campaign is driven by issues facing his generation, including the rising cost of living, housing shortages and government accountability.