Hi, it’s Vanessa, your ENLIGHTENMENT host.
The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who terms out this year, is certainly not boring! California has a top-two primary system that puts all candidates on one ballot, with only the top two vote-getters in the June primary election advancing to November’s general election, regardless of party.
In the past few months, we’ve had
so many Democrats running for governor that the Democratic party is begging some of them to drop out
the possibility that two Republicans could take the two spots on the November ballot
some cringey caught-on-video moments showing candidate Katie Porter not being very nice to people
a sex scandal that led to Congressman Eric Swalwell dropping out of the race and exiting Congress
billionaire Tom Steyer as a top candidate, spending $115 million of his own money in ads — nearly 30 times the amount of his nearest Democratic rival
Mail-in voting for our June 2 primary happens next month, but with so many candidates and ups and downs in this race, do you know who you’re going to pick?
As The New York Times correspondent covering California politics and government, Laurel Rosenhall has been at the center of this reporting. I’ve asked her to come talk to us about covering the governor’s race and the scandals, the surging ad spending, the Republicans’ chances, and the "nightmare scenario" facing the Democratic establishment.
Come join me and ask Rosenhall your questions so you can learn more about how California politics work, and ideally make an informed decision when it’s time to vote.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students. There will be some drinks and snacks; BYO is very much encouraged.
Sign up to attend by registering at our Eventbrite link here.