Election 2026 - California

Proposition 40 would levy a one-time tax on billionaires. Some say the initiative opens the door to tax flight and more aggressive taxation. Others say there’s no way to predict the outcome.

In their only debate, Xavier Becerra repeatedly linked Steve Hilton to President Donald Trump — while Hilton accused him of dodging California’s real problems.

Health care costs, public safety and conflicts between wolves and ranchers help distinguish the candidates in California’s 2nd Congressional District.

Becerra says he wants everyone to be insured, but hasn’t spelled out how he’d pay for it. Hilton wants greater price transparency and to redesign the marketplace, but it’s unclear how much his plans would actually help consumers.

Recent polling shows voters narrowly support Prop. 40 — the billionaire tax — as well as two measures designed to kill it. Only one outcome can prevail.

The California Supreme Court ruled Sheriff Chad Bianco violated the state’s election law when his office seized ballots from the Riverside County registrar. The ruling comes six weeks before the November midterm election that will determine who controls Congress in President Trump’s final two years in office.

A California election official said ballots looked, smelled and felt funny after he lost in this deep red region. Then the FBI visited Shasta County.

Michael Gallagher finished ahead of incumbent Chris Kelstrom in the June primary, but neither won a majority, sending the contest for the District 5 supervisor seat to a November runoff.

Both Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton agree AI safety is important. What they will do to ensure it is less clear.

The District 5 candidates disagree over Shasta County’s finances, public participation, jail crowding and whether the county needs new leadership.