Locals looking to influence a tight race for president and Congress in swing states and contested districts have a few options: write letters and postcards, make phone calls, give money, or travel to go door to door in far-flung places.
Nov. 5 general election 2024
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Judge won’t block Santa Cruz soda tax ballot language former candidate says is misleading
Former Santa Cruz City Council candidate Hector Marin says he’s appealing a judge’s dismissal of his lawsuit challenging the wording of November ballot language for a proposed city sugary drink tax. He claims that a list of potential uses for revenue from the tax that will appear on the ballot — youth and senior programs, for example — is misleading because it will actually be considered general fund revenue that could be used for any city expense.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What can California Democrats do for Kamala Harris? Flip the House
Party leaders at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago send a clear message to California delegates: Kamala Harris needs a Democratic Congress to succeed if she’s elected president.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Seven open seats in Santa Cruz County have no candidates. What happens now?
Seven local offices on the ballot in Santa Cruz County this fall drew zero interested candidates by the close of an extended filing deadline last week. Now, the districts and boards will begin public outreach campaigns to try to find someone to appoint to the seats, rather than be put before voters, before current terms expire.
Posted inLatest News
California’s largest-ever affordable housing bond pulled from Bay Area ballot
A $20 billion affordable housing bond that was supposed to go before San Francisco Bay Area voters in November has been pushed to at least 2026 amid fears that it wouldn’t pass.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom, once Biden’s biggest cheerleader, inches into the Kamala Harris campaign
California Gov. Gavin Newsom stood by President Joe Biden to the bitter end, but is taking a less visible role in Kamala Harris’ campaign so far. His speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention next week could signal how prominent he will be until Election Day.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson, Councilmember Jack Dilles not seeking reelection
Among the early surprises in this year’s election season is the decision by Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilmember Jack Dilles to not seek reelection. With a combined 36 years of city council experience, the elder statesmen of the Santa Cruz Mountains say it’s time to pass the torch to new people.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2024 elections: What we know at the filing deadline about who is running
The field is set for Santa Cruz County’s nonpartisan general election on Nov. 5. Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson chose not to seek reelection after 28 years on the city council. In Watsonville, former Cabrillo College trustee Martha Vega is challenging Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter for city council. And there are competitive races for offices ranging from county supervisor to local fire districts. But not all of the 108 seats up for election have attracted candidates, and most races will not be competitive.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Republicans target Kamala Harris’ ‘California-ness.’ Do swing-state voters care?
Vice President Kamala Harris must defend her California roots and record against attacks by the Trump campaign. Voters and politicians in the swing states of Michigan and Arizona say that might not be the deciding factor.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
TikTok, Brat and Kamala Harris: Will newly fired-up young voters flip elections in California?
Young voters in California and across the country are excited about Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats are trying to capitalize, counting on a surge at the polls to win key congressional races.