Explore

AP News AP News
Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

Xavier Becerra, a Democrat running for California governor, is propping up his decades-long career in public office as proof he can succeed in the state's highest office
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Consultant Pleads Guilty in Campaign Fund Skimming Case Involving Xavier Becerra

Consultant Pleads Guilty in Campaign Fund Skimming Case Involving Xavier Becerra

Dana Williamson, a veteran political consultant and former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to a scheme to steal campaign funds from Xavier Becerra. Becerra, who is currently a leading candidate for governor, was serving in the Biden administration at the time of the alleged crimes. Williamson will plead guilty to three counts, including bank fraud and lying to authorities, in exchange for the dismissal of 20 other counts related to her tax filings and a federal COVID-era loan. The case has become a focal point in the California governor's race, with Becerra's rivals using the charges to criticize him, although he has not been charged and is considered a victim by prosecutors. The scheme involved siphoning money from Becerra's dormant campaign account to fund personal expenses for his then-chief of staff, Sean McCluskie.
Reuters Reuters
Why Republicans won the redistricting war but may still lose the US House

Why Republicans won the redistricting war but may still lose the US House

By Joseph Ax and Tim Reid May 13 (Reuters) - Republicans have won the Great Redistricting War of 2026, but that may not be enough for President Donald Trump's party to maintain its hold on the U.S. House of Representatives in November's midterm elections.
AP News AP News
Trump's redistricting push fizzles in South Carolina Senate but wins in Missouri's top court

Trump's redistricting push fizzles in South Carolina Senate but wins in Missouri's top court

President Donald Trump's efforts to reshape U.S. House districts have seen mixed outcomes
AP News AP News
Ex-aide to California Democrats admits guilt in scheme to steal campaign funds from health secretary

Ex-aide to California Democrats admits guilt in scheme to steal campaign funds from health secretary

A top California Democratic political aide has agreed to plead guilty in a scheme to steal campaign funds from Xavier Becerra when he served as the federal health secretary
Discover daily Discover daily
How Mask Mandates Became a Political Flashpoint

How Mask Mandates Became a Political Flashpoint

The COVID-19 pandemic not only posed a public health challenge but also highlighted significant political and social divides in the United States. ...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Xavier Becerra Leads California Gubernatorial Poll as Steyer and Hilton Compete

Xavier Becerra Leads California Gubernatorial Poll as Steyer and Hilton Compete

A recent Emerson College Polling survey indicates that former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is leading the primary election race for Governor of California with 19% support. Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are closely competing for the second spot, each with 17% support. The poll highlights a significant increase in Becerra's support among Democratic voters, while Steyer has also seen a slight rise in his numbers. The survey also covers the Los Angeles mayoral race, where incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leads with 30% support.
Reuters Reuters
Florida plans to close 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center, New York Times reports

Florida plans to close 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center, New York Times reports

By Daphne Psaledakis and Ted Hesson WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - Florida intends to shut down the controversial federal migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz", the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing a federal official and three people familiar with the facility's operations
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Xavier Becerra Leads California Gubernatorial Race as Polls Show Tight Competition

Xavier Becerra Leads California Gubernatorial Race as Polls Show Tight Competition

A recent Emerson College Polling survey indicates that former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is leading the California gubernatorial primary race with 19% support. He is followed closely by Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer, each with 17%. The poll shows a significant increase in Becerra's support among Democratic voters, while Hilton's support remains unchanged and Steyer's has slightly increased. The survey also highlights that 60% of voters are firm in their candidate choice, though a significant portion remains open to changing their decision. In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leads with 30% support, with Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman trailing.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Karen Bass Leads L.A. Mayoral Race, Faces Potential Runoff with Pratt or Raman

Karen Bass Leads L.A. Mayoral Race, Faces Potential Runoff with Pratt or Raman

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is currently leading in the race for reelection, according to a new poll. However, her lead is not sufficient to avoid a potential runoff with either Spencer Pratt or Nithya Raman, who are closely competing for the second position. The poll, conducted by Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics, shows Bass with 30% support among likely voters, while Pratt and Raman are at 22% and 20% respectively. The poll was conducted after a televised debate and indicates a significant reduction in undecided voters, now at 16%. The mayoral race is part of a broader political landscape in California, where Democrat Xavier Becerra is emerging as a front-runner in the gubernatorial race.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
California's Gubernatorial Race Heats Up Amid Push to Change Primary Rules

California's Gubernatorial Race Heats Up Amid Push to Change Primary Rules

The California gubernatorial race is intensifying as Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra emerges as a leading contender, according to recent betting odds. The race is further complicated by a proposal to change the state's primary election system. Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio has filed a proposal to revert to a traditional partisan primary, which would allow one candidate from each party to advance to the general election. This move comes amid concerns that the current 'jungle' primary system could lead to two Republican candidates advancing, despite California's Democratic majority. The proposal has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current system.
AP News AP News
Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands

Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands

The Interior Department is canceling a rule that put public lands conservation on equal footing with development