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.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz mayoral field begins to fill out as three familiar names enter race
Three new candidates have entered the race for Santa Cruz mayor — Ami Chen Mills, Joy Schendledecker and Chris Krohn — all of whom have either previously held or run for office or have been politically active outside of elected office. They join Ryan Coonerty and Gillian Greensite in vying to replace Fred Keeley.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Who should be California’s next governor – and why Santa Cruz County should care
California’s 2026 gubernatorial election represents a potential inflection point, writes former Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce CEO Casey Beyer. Not necessarily a partisan realignment, but a structural one: a fractured Democratic field, competitive Republicans and a volatile political environment shaped by economic pressure and federal conflict.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How 9 California Democrats could sabotage their party’s race for governor
State Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks warned that the nine Democrats currently in the governor’s race could split the primary vote and send two Republicans to the November ballot.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Change afoot in South County politics? Keep an eye on the upcoming county supervisor race
Longtime political observers see a shift in Watsonville’s political landscape as the 2026 election cycle gets underway. Lookout spoke with current and former elected officials and community leaders about where South County politics is heading.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gubernatorial candidates due in Monterey for March debate
Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee are slated to be on hand March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey for the only gubernatorial debate scheduled for the Central Coast.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Santa Cruz County votes early and often — our tradition could be in jeopardy this November
Michael Polhamus argues that Santa Cruz County’s strong tradition of high voter turnout — largely driven by vote-by-mail and same-day registration — is at risk due to proposed federal Republican legislation that would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to register and vote. He contends these measures, framed as election security, would disproportionately disenfranchise groups common in Santa Cruz County, including young voters, students, low-income residents and people without easy access to legal documents. He urges residents to prepare now by registering early and securing documents such as birth certificates, passports and state-issued photo ID to ensure their votes can still be counted in November.
