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.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Ryan Coonerty says Santa Cruz residents are concerned about quality-of-life issues, not so much with criticism from opponents
With ballots set to go out to voters on Monday, Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Ryan Coonerty says his discussions with prospective voters show a great deal of concern with quality-of-life issues. He says he doesn’t hear the same concern about his policies and political positions that his opponents have raised.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In first run for elected office, Santa Cruz mayor hopeful Gillian Greensite wants to stop ‘overbuilding’
Gillian Greensite has spent many years in Santa Cruz attending city council meetings and working in rape prevention and environmental advocacy. Now, she’s diving into electoral politics for the first time to run for mayor, in the face of what she sees as “overbuilding.”
