Politics Archives

Rowland Heights, CA - August 21: Claire Chu, from Cypress, at a rally organized by supporters of recall Gov. Gavin Newsom

Inside the social media war that could turn the California recall

by Maura Dolan September 1, 2021December 17, 2023

Social media advertising has taken on outsized proportions during the effort to recall Gavin Newsom, because of the compressed campaign schedule.

A construction crew works on a 290-unit transit-oriented mixed use affordable housing community

Housing & Development

Here’s how the recall candidates say they’d boost housing production in California

by Ari Plachta August 31, 2021

Of the four leading candidates who responded to The Times’ inquiries — Kevin Faulconer, John Cox, Kevin Kiley and Kevin Paffrath — all said they would use the bully pulpit of the governor’s office to either reform or repeal the California Environmental Quality Act.

Alex Valdivia, a junior studying political science at UCLA

Politics & Policy

Are young voters the key to Gavin Newsom surviving the recall?

by Matthew Reagan / CalMatters August 31, 2021December 17, 2023

Gov. Newsom and Democrats are hoping young Californians turn out in similar numbers to the November 2020 presidential election.

Vaccine Watch

Democratic lawmakers drop idea for a California statewide vaccine mandate

by Melody Gutierrez and Taryn Luna August 31, 2021

Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) said she will not pursue the proposal this year after drafts of her bill language were leaked last week, saying she needed more time to craft “the strongest bill possible.”

Conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder, who is running for governor of California, greets supporters

Politics & Policy

Larry Elder’s views cost him listeners and even his best friend. But he won’t waver

by James Rainey / Los Angeles Times and Harriet Ryan August 30, 2021December 17, 2023

The leading California recall candidate won’t waver, even when it costs him listeners, and his best friend. Now talk radio standout wants to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California.