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.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
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.
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.