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California Democrats Face Leadership Void in Governor's Race Amidst Crowded Field

California Democrats Face Leadership Void in Governor's Race Amidst Crowded Field

The California Democratic Party is experiencing a leadership vacuum in the upcoming governor's race, as prominent figures like Governor Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have refrained from endorsing any candidate. Despite Representative Eric Swalwell's recent withdrawal, the Democratic field remains crowded with seven major candidates, none of whom have emerged as a clear frontrunner. This situation is exacerbated by the state's top-two primary system, which allows the possibility of two candidates from the same party advancing to the general election. Party Chair Rusty Hicks has faced criticism for not taking a more active role in narrowing the field, relying instead on party-commissioned polls and urging candidates to assess their viability. The lack of a clear successor to Newsom, coupled with the absence of high-profile candidates like Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla, has left the party without a unifying figure to rally around.
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Two more Democrats qualify for California debate stage after Swalwell exits

Two more Democrats qualify for California debate stage after Swalwell exits

By Daniel Trotta April 16 (Reuters) - Two more Democrats, former California attorney general and cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, cleared the polling threshold and will join next week's debate in the state's gubernatorial primary campaign after Eric Swalwell, accused
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Xavier Becerra Gains Momentum in California Governor's Race After Swalwell's Exit

Xavier Becerra Gains Momentum in California Governor's Race After Swalwell's Exit

Following Eric Swalwell's departure from the California gubernatorial race, a new Emerson College Poll shows significant shifts among Democratic candidates. Xavier Becerra, former HSS Secretary and Attorney General, has emerged as a frontrunner, jumping from 3% to 10% in support. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco lead the poll, with Hilton gaining four percentage points and Bianco three since last month. The redistribution of Swalwell's support, primarily from progressive Democrats, has benefited candidates like Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, alongside Becerra.
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California Governor Race: Bay Area Voters Reassess Options After Swalwell's Exit

California Governor Race: Bay Area Voters Reassess Options After Swalwell's Exit

Following Eric Swalwell's withdrawal from the California governor race, Bay Area voters are reconsidering their options among the remaining candidates. Swalwell, who gained attention as a House manager during President Trump's second impeachment trial, had been a notable figure in the race. His exit has prompted campaigns like those of Katie Porter and Tom Steyer to vie for his supporters. Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of Swalwell's supporters are leaning towards Porter, with Steyer also gaining traction. The race now includes seven prominent Democrats, such as former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who are all seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to attract Bay Area voters.
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Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency

Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency

President Donald Trump is more overtly leaning into some of the spoils of his office in his second term, drawing comparisons to French Queen Marie Antoinette from political opponents
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Judge rejects US Justice Department effort to obtain Rhode Island's voter data

Judge rejects US Justice Department effort to obtain Rhode Island's voter data

By Nate Raymond April 17 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday rejected the U.S. Department of Justice's bid to force Rhode Island to turn over non-public data on nearly 750,000 registered voters so the Trump administration could probe "election integrity" in the Democratic-led state.
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Swalwell departure helps Democrats narrow field in California race

Swalwell departure helps Democrats narrow field in California race

By Daniel Trotta April 15 (Reuters) - The departure of California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell helps Democrats narrow the field in a June primary election, which could hurt Republicans who had been leading the race to succeed Gavin Newsom. Swalwell, 45, left the race and the U.S.
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California governor candidates see opening after Swalwell’s exit

California governor candidates see opening after Swalwell’s exit

Candidates for California governor have gathered for the first time since U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s dramatic exit over sexual assault allegations
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New Jersey voters decide who will fill Mikie Sherrill’s House seat

New Jersey voters decide who will fill Mikie Sherrill’s House seat

By Nolan D. McCaskill WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - Voters in northern New Jersey will choose their next representative in a special election on Thursday that could narrow Republicans' grip on the U.S. House of Representatives heading into the November midterm elections.
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Rep. Eric Swalwell Announces Resignation, East Bay Residents React

Rep. Eric Swalwell Announces Resignation, East Bay Residents React

Representative Eric Swalwell has announced his decision to resign, prompting reactions from residents in the East Bay area. The announcement has sparked a variety of responses from the local community, as reported by Kevin Ko. Swalwell, who has been a prominent figure in the political landscape, has not disclosed the specific reasons for his resignation in the available report. The news has generated significant interest among his constituents, who are now contemplating the implications of his departure from office.
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California Cities Navigate Senate Bill 79 for Housing Development Near Transit Hubs

California Cities Navigate Senate Bill 79 for Housing Development Near Transit Hubs

California's local governments are grappling with the implementation of Senate Bill 79, which allows developers to construct mid-rise buildings near major transit stops. The law, effective July 1, provides cities with flexibility in determining the specifics of these developments. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are exploring various strategies to either comply with or delay the law's requirements. Los Angeles has opted to delay by overhauling its zoning map, while San Francisco is considering exempting certain areas. Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized some cities for attempting to shield parts of their jurisdictions from the law, although he has not accused them of legal violations.
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California's Gas Prices Surge Due to State Policies and Market Isolation

California's Gas Prices Surge Due to State Policies and Market Isolation

California is experiencing significantly higher gas prices compared to the national average, with current rates nearing $6 per gallon. This disparity is attributed to state-specific policies that restrict supply and impose costly compliance measures. A two-year investigation by Governor Gavin Newsom found no evidence of price gouging by oil companies, shifting the focus to state policies as the primary cause. Factors such as high excise taxes, environmental programs, and a unique gasoline blend contribute to the elevated costs. The state's isolation from the broader North American fuel market, exacerbated by refinery closures, further limits supply and increases prices.