From a public wildfire authority to a state backstop, California insurance regulator candidates propose greater state involvement.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Bryan Hackett for Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge
The role of a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge demands more than legal knowledge – it requires fairness, sound judgment and a steady commitment to applying the law without bias or outside influence. The Lookout Editorial Board believes Bryan Hackett brings the kind of deep legal experience and courtroom familiarity that is essential for that responsibility.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Your guide to the 2026 Santa Cruz County primary election
Get all the information you need as a Santa Cruz County voter on candidates and important dates as the June 2 primary election draws closer.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Our June 2 endorsements
The Lookout Editorial Board writes endorsements because we believe a strong, trustworthy, independent and nonpartisan local news organization owes its community a stand-back, whole view of the candidates before us, based on extensive one-on-one interviews. And, on your behalf, we look for four factors in making our recommendations: voting and other decision-making records, experience, judgment and political skills – and how the candidacy meets the moment.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Ryan Coonerty for Santa Cruz mayor
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Ryan Coonerty for mayor of Santa Cruz. The mayor’s race will help usher in the next Santa Cruz – shaped by new housing mandates, changing expectations around public space and ongoing decisions about how our community grows while holding on to what makes us special, the board writes. Coonerty is the candidate best prepared to help guide that transition.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Tony Nuñez for District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor
Santa Cruz’s South County is facing a moment when residents are asking for more than routine governance – they are asking for leadership that is present, prepared and accountable in a direct way. In this race for District 4 county supervisor, Tony Nuñez stands out to the Lookout Editorial Board as the candidate offering a clear break from business-as-usual politics and a stronger focus on engagement, responsiveness and long-term community vitality.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Una Lookout View: Tony Nuñez para supervisor del Distrito 4 del condado de Santa Cruz
El sur del condado de Santa Cruz está enfrentando un momento en el que los residentes están pidiendo más que una gestión rutinaria: están pidiendo un liderazgo presente, preparado y directamente responsable ante la comunidad. En esta contienda para supervisor del condado por el Distrito 4, Tony Nuñez se destaca para la Junta Editorial de Lookout como el candidato que ofrece una clara ruptura con la política tradicional y un enfoque más sólido en la participación comunitaria, la capacidad de respuesta y la vitalidad de la comunidad a largo plazo.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California governor front-runner Xavier Becerra’s playbook: Never say you’re sorry
Democratic front-runner for California governor Xavier Becerra has dodged weeks of criticism about his record. His dismissals reflect a confident position near the top of the polls.
Posted inLatest News
Council candidate Hector Marin’s sentencing pushed to June in case involving driving on a suspended license following 2024 DUI
Sentencing for District 4 Santa Cruz City Council candidate Hector Marin for driving with a suspended license following a 2024 DUI arrest in Santa Clara County was delayed until June.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Governor YIMBY: In California’s unsettled race, most candidates see eye-to-eye on housing
On zoning, permitting, fees and NIMBY obstruction, the top candidates vying to become California’s next governor all say the state needs to make it easier to build more homes.