You're reading the Essential California newsletter Sign up to start every day with California's most important stories. By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver.

Two new polls show Republican Steve Hilton leading, with Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra close in tow.

Californians are voting on a wide-open governor's race. Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are leading in polls but only two will move on to the general election.

Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties. June 2: Election Day. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last day to vote in person or ret

After a surprisingly chaotic race, we’re finally getting a clearer picture of who’s likely to be the next governor of California.

California’s top-two “jungle" primary system is facing renewed criticism more than a decade after voters approved it.

California is one of the bluest states in America, but Democrats are more on edge this election season because of uncertainty and volatility in key races, such as the governor’s race and the Los

We at the New California Coalition rang in the new year with a prophecy, that the next California election would not be fought on a strictly partisan map cleaved neatly into partisan blocs. The new divide,