With the June 2 primary election just weeks away, nearly a third of California voters are undecided in the race for state superintendent of public instruction.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Panicked California Democrats are pushing a risky strategy: Wait till the last minute to vote
Recent polling suggests it’s unlikely that two Republicans would lock Democrats out of the November gubernatorial election. But some liberal activists are still panicking about the possibility of a MAGA governor. Their solution could delay California’s already slow ballot-counting.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz candidates discuss the city’s most pressing issues in latest Lookout forum
Homelessness, development, hurdles to local business and the city’s budget were among the topics as candidates for Santa Cruz mayor and city council Districts 4 and 6 joined a Lookout forum on Thursday ahead of the June 2 primary election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
For the lone woman left in the California governor’s race, it’s all about ‘temperament’
Onetime progressive darling Katie Porter’s campaign for California governor stalled over viral videos that critics say showed temperament issues. Seven months later, they’re still her biggest liability.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A look at the top candidates vying to be California’s controller
Republican Herb Morgan is challenging Democratic incumbent Malia Cohen for oversight of California’s spending.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Fund life, not death: Rep. Jimmy Panetta votes for military spending – Sean Dougherty better aligns with local values
In a time of rising cost of living and escalating war spending abroad, voters in Santa Cruz County face a stark choice in the vote for U.S. House District 19 representative, writes activist Unhae Langis. She argues that current federal budgets favor militarization over community needs such as housing, healthcare and climate resilience, and contrasts incumbent Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s record with challenger Sean Dougherty’s platform. She believes Dougherty is a better choice for Santa Cruz County voters who don’t support military spending.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California governor candidates clash on taxes, Trump and healthcare in lively debate
The leading candidates for California governor clashed in a lively debate Tuesday on everything from a proposed tax on billionaires to state-funded healthcare for immigrants in the country illegally.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Meet the candidates running for the District 4 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary
Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Scott Newsome and Hector Marin – running for the District 4 seat.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Meet the candidates running for the District 6 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary
Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Renee Golder and Gabriella Noack – running for the District 6 seat.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats
California’s treasurer manages bonds, pensions and billions in cash. These are the six people vying for the job.