California Democrats
Coverage of California Democrats in the Nexus archive.
- 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.
- California county finds nearly 600 unopened ballots months after Newsom-backed redistricting measure passed
Nearly 600 unopened ballots were found in Humboldt County, California, months after a statewide special election on Proposition 50, a redistricting measure backed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The error did not impact the outcome of the election, but officials have taken corrective action to prevent similar mistakes. The discovery has prompted an update to protocols for ballot drop boxes.
- Riley Gaines, Nick Shirley ask where 'No Kings' protesters are on California bill they say targets journalists
Riley Gaines and Nick Shirley criticize California's AB 2624 bill, which they claim criminalizes investigative journalism and targets citizen journalists. The bill, dubbed the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' by critics, imposes penalties on publishing images of immigration service providers and restricts public scrutiny of taxpayer-funded organizations. Both argue it violates the First Amendment and enables authoritarian tactics.
- California Democrats seek frontrunner; Trump’s Iran standoff escalates: Join Friday’s Whole Hog
California Democrats are struggling to unite behind a single candidate in the gubernatorial race, while tensions between President Trump and Iran escalate. Republicans are also assessing preparations for potential Democratic gains in the upcoming midterms.
- Nick Shirley confronts California Democrats over 'Stop Nick Shirley Act,' pressing on First Amendment rights
Independent journalist Nick Shirley confronted California lawmakers at the state Capitol, questioning Assembly Bill 2624, dubbed the 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' by Republicans, and alleging it infringes on First Amendment rights by restricting the public posting of personal information related to immigration services. Lawmakers, including Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, either avoided detailed discussions or dismissed Shirley's claims, with some calling him a 'scam artist.'
- Pelosi distances herself from ally Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations
Nancy Pelosi denied prior knowledge of sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress amid four accusations of misconduct. The House faces an expulsion vote, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna planning a resolution, while Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign.
- Eric Swalwell exposed for sexual misconduct; Katie Porter worse?
The article discusses allegations of sexual misconduct against California Democrat Eric Swalwell and questions Democratic colleague Katie Porter's conduct. It highlights dysfunction within the party as a national issue.
- Swalwell calls sexual misconduct allegations 'flat out false,' says he will fight them 'with everything'
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell denied sexual misconduct allegations against him, calling them 'flat out false,' while facing backlash from Democratic colleagues and supporters. The accusations, reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, involve multiple incidents with a former female staffer and have led to some endorsers withdrawing support.
- California Gov. Newsom announces redistricting effort to counter Texas GOP
California Governor Newsom announces a redistricting effort to counter Texas GOP's plan to redraw congressional districts. This move is in response to Texas's efforts to change its congressional district boundaries. California Democrats aim to address the issue with their own plan.