California Democrats
Coverage of California Democrats in the Nexus archive.
- Republicans won the redistricting competition. Don’t tell that to this California congressman
California Democrats sliced Rep. Kevin Kiley’s district, which a conservative resident stated made it impossible for her to vote for him; this was characterized as payback for Republican redistricting in Texas and elsewhere. The effort began with Republicans after a U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the way for redrawing seats across the South. In retaliation, California Democrats successfully rewrote the state’s congressional map, forming new Democratic-leaning seats.
- Republicans won the redistricting competition. Don't tell that to this California congressman
Democrats in California sliced Rep. Kevin Kiley's district into an overwhelmingly Democratic seat after Republicans were involved in redistricting efforts elsewhere. This action caused concern among conservative voters like Anne Smull and led the two-term congressman to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent. In response, Democrats have pledged to retaliate by splitting Republican-leaning districts in states including Maryland, New York, and Illinois.
- Republicans won the redistricting competition. Don't tell that to this California congressman
California Democrats sliced Rep. Kevin Kiley's district as a form of retaliation for Republican redistricting efforts seen in Texas and elsewhere. This political competition was fueled by Republicans, who sought to increase winnable seats using a process aided by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that neutralized a key provision of the Voting Rights Act.
- California Democrats need more spine to stop the socialists
The article argues that California Democrats must take a stand to prevent socialists from taking over their party. Party leaders are urged to act to stop the socialist takeover.
- Xavier Becerra leads Democrats’ all-out war against California voter ID measure
Xavier Becerra leads Democrats in opposing a Republican-backed voter ID measure in California through a multi-million-dollar campaign. The effort positions Becerra as a challenger to President Trump in a role typically held by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- Barabak: His nickname was 'Satan.' His political influence was immense
Clint Reilly, known by the nickname 'Satan,' had immense political influence in California, helping elect prominent Democrats and training generations of political consultants. He was a genius in the business of campaigns.
- Barabak: His nickname was 'Satan.' His political influence was immense
Barabak, nicknamed 'Satan,' had immense political influence. Clint Reilly helped elect many California Democrats and trained political consultants, showcasing his expertise in campaign strategies.
- California Dems hit panic button as Trump moves to seize state property to boost oil production
The House passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill allowing the Trump administration to seize California lands to boost oil production, causing panic among California Democrats. The move has sparked concerns about the administration's ability to take state property for energy initiatives.
- Trump can stop Gavin Newsom’s healthcare tax — and should
California Democrats passed a new healthcare tax without any Republican support. Governor Gavin Newsom included the tax in his 2026-27 budget, which is the final one of his term. The article suggests that Donald Trump has the ability to prevent the tax from taking effect.
- California leaders yet to reach deal to keep billionaire tax off the ballot. Time is running out
California leaders are negotiating with interest groups to remove controversial ballot measures, including a billionaire tax, before a Thursday deadline. Democrats have reached a deal with Uber and trial lawyers to withdraw competing initiatives, while finalizing measures to fund affordable housing and increase the rainy day fund deposit cap.
- CA Democrats want election results faster, but say any solution hurts voters
California Democrats and Republicans want faster election results, but Democrats oppose changes that could disenfranchise voters. The slow vote count, largely due to high mail-in ballot volumes, has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, Nate Silver, and the New York Times editorial board. California's secretary of state and election officials emphasize accuracy over speed, citing funding constraints for county election operations.
- Gavin Newsom’s humiliating U-turn on ‘absurd’ vanity project that would cost taxpayers millions
California Democrats removed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $20 million plan to honor the state’s living former governors from the budget. The proposal faced bipartisan criticism and was mocked as a taxpayer-funded vanity project.
- Public utilities seek LGBTQ+ contractors — whether they keep the lights on or not
California Democrats have introduced contracts for businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals that are state-certified. The initiative is described as a new form of favoritism, prioritizing LGBTQ+ ownership for public utility contracts.
- CA Dems could stick families with higher insurance costs — and new tax on software downloads
California Democrats approved a $356 billion state budget that includes tax-related proposals likely to increase health insurance premiums and impose a new tax on software downloads. Critics argue the measures add costs during an unfavorable time.
- California Democrats nix cuts to healthcare in budget deal
California lawmakers passed a $355.9 billion budget draft that eliminates proposed healthcare cuts from Governor Gavin Newsom's plan, protecting Medi-Cal and CalFresh programs. The budget includes increased funding for healthcare, food assistance, and homeless housing, while Republicans criticized it as a partisan move tied to lawmakers' pay.
- California Democrats have a budget deal. Here’s where they want to spend more than Newsom
California lawmakers plan to pass a $356 billion budget to avoid or delay social service cuts proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, focusing on healthcare, child care, and education funding. The budget will prioritize delaying healthcare cuts for undocumented immigrants and expanding childcare slots, while rejecting Newsom's proposed reductions in school funding.
- California Democrats have a budget deal. Here’s where they want to spend more than Newsom
California lawmakers propose a $356 billion budget to reject or delay social service cuts suggested by Gov. Gavin Newsom, focusing on healthcare, childcare, and education funding. The plan includes delaying healthcare premium increases for undocumented immigrants and preserving child care slots, while differing from Newsom on Medi-Cal asset tests and school funding.
- California Democrats have pulled off a trifecta of political infamy
California Democrats have achieved a trifecta in political infamy. The article acknowledges their success with a message of surprise and commendation.
- California Dems accused of putting sanctuary law over migrant child welfare checks: 'Real children'
California Democrats face accusations that sanctuary policies hinder local law enforcement from conducting welfare checks on unaccompanied migrant children flagged by federal authorities. A lawsuit from El Cajon alleges state laws force police into impossible choices between complying with regulations and ensuring child safety, while California Attorney General Rob Bonta warns such checks could violate SB 54.
- Democrats keep Prop. 50 promise alive through primary, with momentum heading toward November
California Democrats remain confident in flipping five Congressional districts targeted after Proposition 50, as primary election results indicate potential challenges for Republicans. Momentum is building toward the November election.
- Democrats keep Prop. 50 promise alive through primary, with momentum heading toward November
California Democrats remain confident about flipping five Congressional districts targeted after Proposition 50. Primary election results suggest potential challenges for Republicans, with momentum building for Democrats ahead of November.
- Rep. Young Kim will face fellow Republican Ken Calvert in bid for Southern California US House seat
Rep. Young Kim will compete with fellow Republican Ken Calvert in a Southern California congressional race reshaped by Democrats. The 40th Congressional District redistricting placed Kim in a GOP vs. GOP contest, while another race features Sacramento City Councilwoman Mai Vang challenging Rep. Doris Matsui.
- Chabria: What the primary chaos says about California Democrats
The article discusses the chaotic Democratic primary in California, which party officials failed to control, raising concerns about the party's effectiveness in a traditionally Democratic state.
- Trump accuses California Democrats, without evidence, of trying to 'steal' elections
President Donald Trump accused California Democrats, without evidence, of attempting to 'steal' the California gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries. The claim lacks supporting evidence and focuses on election-related allegations.
- MORNING GLORY: California Democrats dumped Porter, but Maine Dems hold onto Platner for dear life
Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell faced downfall due to personal conduct issues in their campaigns, while Graham Platner remains the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine despite scandals. California Democrats shifted support to Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton after Porter's loss.
- This is how California Democrats will have to campaign in November
California Democrats are preparing for a campaign in November that will focus on their record, a strategy they have largely avoided in recent years.
- GOP legislator muzzled as California Dems jam through parole board reappointments
California Democrats confirmed five Newsom-backed parole commissioners despite GOP objections that they favor violent offenders over victims and public safety.
- GOP candidate focused on Mideast peace threatens California Democrats’ House redistricting goal
Michael Stansfield, a GOP candidate focused on Mideast peace, has become a key player in California politics, challenging Democrats' efforts to secure House redistricting goals.
- GOP candidate focused on Mideast peace threatens California Democrats’ House redistricting goal
Michael Stansfield, a Republican candidate in California's 6th Congressional District, focused his campaign on promoting Middle East peace and Islam's compatibility with Christianity. His unexpected strong showing in the primary threatens California Democrats' redistricting strategy aimed at securing the seat in November.
- Spencer Pratt popularity ‘wake up call’ for California Democrats: Van Jones
CNN analyst Van Jones stated that the growing popularity of reality TV star Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race against Mayor Karen Bass indicates broader voter dissatisfaction with California’s political establishment, which Democrats need to address. Jones highlighted that there are significant issues causing public frustration.
- Eric Swalwell collects thousands of votes in California governor’s race
Eric Swalwell, a disgraced ex-congressman, received thousands of votes in the California governor’s race, despite his campaign being suspended following allegations of rape and sexual assault. California Democrats cast ballots for him even after the campaign was halted.
- Democrats redrew California’s map to counter Trump. The primary tests whether it pays off for them
California Democrats redrew the state’s congressional map to counter GOP redistricting in Texas, aiming to gain five U.S. House seats. The primary tests if vote-splitting among multiple Democratic candidates in the San Diego suburbs could prevent a Democratic pickup, as Republicans Jim Desmond and Jim O’Neil face off. The redistricting effort follows broader political battles over electoral maps and voting rights.
- The Democrat flops in governor’s race — and why Eric Swalwell could still play a role
A Democrat performed poorly in the governor’s race. Eric Swalwell may still have a role despite the outcome. The initial candidate field for governor included prominent California Democrats.
- Democrats redrew California's map to counter Trump. The primary tests whether it pays off for them
California Democrats redrew congressional maps to counter GOP redistricting in Texas, with the primary testing if this strategy succeeds. The top-two primary system risks Democratic vote splitting in San Diego suburbs, potentially excluding them from the general election. Key races include the 48th district and Central Valley, where Democrats aim to challenge Republican incumbents.
- Democrats redrew California's map to counter Trump. The primary tests whether it pays off for them
California Democrats redrew congressional maps to counter GOP gains in Texas, with the primary testing if vote-splitting among multiple Democratic candidates in San Diego suburbs will prevent them from advancing. The U.S. Supreme Court's actions weakened the Voting Rights Act, enabling GOP efforts to reshape Southern districts.
- California Democrats bored their own voters into submission
California Democrats have not cultivated a successor for outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, leading to no clear favorite in the 2026 governor race. The lack of a strong candidate has left the outcome uncertain.
- Trying to be 'strategic,' California Democrats wait to vote amid fears of governor's lockout
California Democrats are delaying votes in a crowded race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom, fearing a potential lockout by the governor. They are uncertain about who will emerge as front-runners in the election.
- Trying to be 'strategic,' California Democrats wait to vote amid fears of governor's lockout
California Democrats are delaying their vote in a crowded race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, fearing a lockout. They remain cautious about potential front-runners emerging from the competition.
- Bill Maher blasts California’s education results, cites two surging red states
Bill Maher criticized California Democrats over education and green energy, noting Mississippi and Texas are outperforming California on issues Democrats often campaign on.
- Why California Democrats are nervous this election season
California Democrats are experiencing heightened anxiety during this election season despite the state's traditionally strong Democratic voting patterns. Key sources of concern include uncertainty and volatility in major races, particularly the governor's race and Los Angeles mayoral race.