Turmoil in California Democratic Party Threatens Long-Term Reforms

Turmoil in California Democratic Party threatens long-term reforms

From left, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee stand on the stage during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Photo by Laure Andrillon/Associated Press) This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Turmoil within the California Democratic Party over this year’s election for governor and  fallo…

Dan Walters | The Threats to California’s Reforms

Turmoil within the California Democratic Party over this year’s election for governor and fallout from the party’s naked grab of congressional seats could have long-term effects, undoing two important political […]

Democratic Angst and Gerrymandering Threaten California’s Political Reforms

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Dan Walters CalMatters Opinion Turmoil within the California Democratic Party over this year’s election for governor and  fallout from the party’s naked grab of congressional seats could have long-term effects, undoing two important political reforms — the top-two primary system and redistricting by an independent commission. The turmoil is over having nin…

Democratic angst and gerrymandering threaten California's political reforms

Turmoil within the California Democratic Party over this year’s election for governor and  fallout from the party’s naked grab of congressional seats could have long-term effects, undoing two important political reforms — the top-two primary system and redistricting by an independent commission. The turmoil is over having nine Democratic candidates for governor, creating the possibility that two Republicans could finish one-two in the June 2 pri…