California Courier

Gavin Newsom Moves to Commute All 548 Death Sentences in California Caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom is commuting the death sentences of all 548 people on California’s death row to life without parole, the largest mass commutation in U.S. history. In an open letter, Newsom called state-sanctioned killing “incompatible with California’s values.” Many of the commutations still need approval from the California Supreme Court, and victims’ rights advocates are already pushing back.

Democratic socialist Nithya Raman has defeated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The race was called days after Election Day, following a count that left the outcome uncertain all week. Bass loses her bid for a second term, and Raman will take over as mayor of the nation’s second-largest city.

🚨 California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra said he supports protecting and expanding health care access, but would not commit to specific funding for coverage for undocumented Californians without knowing the state budget and legislative vote count. Speaking at a Sacramento media availability after his election, Becerra said governing requires assessing available funding and support. What do you make of his response? 👇 #California #HealthCare #MediCal

🚨 California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra said tax cuts for middle-class residents should remain under consideration, but he did not commit to them during a post-election news conference in Sacramento. Asked by reporter Ashley Zavala about tax relief, Becerra said “everything should be on the table.” He said proposals should be evaluated based on what is smart and makes sense. What do you make of his response? 👇 #CaliforniaPolitics #TaxPolicy #Affordability

Prop. 40, a one-time tax of up to 5% on the net worth of California billionaires, is trailing as votes are still counted. Latest statewide count: No 54.4%, Yes 45.6%. Results are not final or certified. #California #Prop40 #Election2026

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warns the number of non-citizen ballots in California is likely higher than the 20,000 DOJ has flagged. Recent races in the state have come down to a few hundred votes, and one state senate seat was decided by fewer than 20. With that much at stake, DOJ is asking the Supreme Court to step in before Election Day.

A group of California dads confronted a homeowner after they say their children came home from trick-or-treating with packages of what appeared to be psilocybin mushroom gummies. The homeowner denies leaving the gummies on her porch, and the case remains under investigation.

A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in Friday’s shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in Fairfield, California, that killed 31-year-old Constance Hages, who was pregnant, and wounded six others. The same teen allegedly shot at an occupied car at Fairfield High School last year and spent just a few months in juvenile hall.

Governor-elect Xavier Becerra had a message for Californians who have been made to feel afraid: there’s a “new sheriff in town,” and he’s got “a law degree and a union card.” In his victory speech, Becerra called the California dream universal, non-negotiable and “undeportable.”

Newsom says he plans to commute all California death sentences to life without parole, covering 548 people. About 382 cases still need California Supreme Court approval. The state has not executed anyone since 2006. #California #DeathPenalty #Newsom

Prop. 1, California's $11.25 billion housing bond, is projected to pass. The debt could cost the state $500 million to $600 million a year for 25 years. #Prop1

Scott Wiener wins San Francisco's congressional race after Connie Chan conceded. He'll succeed Nancy Pelosi. #Election2026

Governor-elect Xavier Becerra celebrated his win with supporters, calling it a great night to be the son of immigrants from a union household. He led the crowd in Dolores Huerta’s rallying cry, “¡Sí se puede,” before declaring, “Yes we did.” Becerra says it’s time for California to adopt a Muhammad Ali mentality and promised to get to work for the state.

WOW - Decision Desk has called the Los Angeles mayoral race for Nithya Raman, projecting her to defeat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Raman leads with 405,193 votes to Bass’s 379,069, with 67% of the expected vote counted.

California voters have turned down Prop. 39, the constitutional amendment that would have required voter ID and citizenship checks. The measure was trailing 58.8% to 41.2% in early, unofficial returns when the race was called Tuesday night. Counting continues, and statewide results will be certified Dec. 11.

Xavier Becerra will be California's next governor. The Democrat beat Republican Steve Hilton, leading 64.1% to 35.9% in the state's early, unofficial count as of 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. Ballots are still being counted. californiacourier.news/2026/…

Rob Bonta is projected to win another term as California's attorney general, topping former Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates 63.9% to 36.1% in early, unofficial returns. Here's what the results show so far. californiacourier.news/2026/…

Shirley Weber is staying on as secretary of state after she was projected to defeat Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner. Early, unofficial returns show her ahead 64.8% to 35.2%, with statewide results due to be certified Dec. 11. californiacourier.news/2026/…

Eleni Kounalakis is California's next state treasurer. The lieutenant governor defeated Jennifer Hawks and held about 64% of the vote in early returns when the race was called Tuesday night. She takes office in January. Counting continues, and the state certifies results by Dec. 11.

Malia Cohen has won a second term as state controller. Cohen led Herb Morgan with roughly 63% of the vote in early returns when the race was called Tuesday night. As controller, she remains the state's chief fiscal officer. Statewide results will be certified by Dec. 11.