Scott Newsome’s Santa Cruz City Council district, District 4, has seen much change over the past four years, with many new housing developments beginning and finishing construction. It’s also faced adversity, particularly the partial collapse of the wharf. But he says his successes in helping downtown residents preserve affordability and his role in passing Measure C show he’s fit for a second term.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In third city council run, Hector Marin says he’s staying true to his goals: Community advocacy, inclusivity and transparency
District 4 candidate Hector Marin, in the midst of his third Santa Cruz City Council campaign in the past three election cycles, remains committed to community advocacy and transparency while advocating for affordable housing and the protection of immigrant communities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help
Even after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s swift and sudden exit, the race for California governor is still frustratingly murky on the Democratic side, with seven major candidates splitting the vote. As party faithful hope for divine intervention, heavyweights such as the current governor and the speaker emerita refuse to weigh in.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
District 4 county supervisor candidates make case to voters during Wednesday night forum
In a Lookout election forum Wednesday, candidates for the District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor seat — incumbent Felipe Hernandez and challengers Tony Nuñez and Elias Gonzales — shared their visions to improve South County and their views on hot-button issues.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
What Santa Cruz County should look for in California’s next governor – the poll leaders aren’t right for us
Santa Cruz County shouldn’t rely on early polls or political hype when choosing its next governor, writes Casey Beyer, former CEO for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce. With a crowded field, volatile race dynamics and many undecided voters, front-runners might not reflect local priorities. Instead, Beyer believes our focus should be on candidates who address housing, jobs, homelessness and climate resilience. He sees Betty Yee and Matt Mahan as contenders who will be most aligned with the county’s needs, despite trailing in statewide polls.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democratic Women’s Club endorses Coonerty, Golder and Newsome for SC city races; no endorsement for District 4 county supervisor race
Following a candidate forum on Saturday, the Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County endorsed Ryan Coonerty for Santa Cruz mayor and incumbents Scott Newsome and Renee Golder for city council Districts 4 and 6, respectively. The group did not make an endorsement for the District 4 county supervisor race.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
El Club de Mujeres Demócratas respalda a Coonerty, Golder y Newsome para las contiendas municipales de SC; sin respaldo para la contienda de supervisor del condado del Distrito 4
El Club de Mujeres Demócratas del Condado de Santa Cruz respaldó a Ryan Coonerty para alcalde de Santa Cruz y a Scott Newsome y Renee Golder para el concejo municipal de los Distritos 4 y 6, respectivamente, durante el fin de semana tras un foro de candidatos en Capitola.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump endorses Republican Steven Hilton for California governor, reordering wide-open race
President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor, reordering a crowded, wide-open race to lead the nation’s most populous state.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz candidates mostly unfazed at lack of Democratic Central Committee endorsements
The Democratic Central Committee could not come to a consensus on which Santa Cruz City Council and mayoral candidates to endorse, so it will not endorse anyone ahead of the June 2 primary. However, many on the campaign trail say it doesn’t make a difference to them — and might even be a good thing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy
Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race for California governor. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.
