Mark Z. Barabak is a political columnist for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on California and the West. He has covered campaigns and elections in 49 of the 50 states, including 13 presidential contests and scores of mayoral, legislative, gubernatorial and congressional races. He also reported from the White House and Capitol Hill during the George H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations. Follow him on Bluesky at markzbarabak.bsky.social.
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Roger Hutson said he’s no MAGA acolyte. But Trump’s delivery on promises on immigration, Iran and other issues have put the Denver oil and gas executive squarely behind the president.
The social safety net is being shredded, we’re losing our edge in arts and science and have squandered our standing as a beacon of hope. But we’ve survived worse.
Hazing and silencing a GOP assemblyman also demonstrated contempt for the San Diego voters he represents. The juvenile behavior highlights a downside of single-party rule in California.
Immigration raids terrorizing a large swath of the team’s fan base have forced baseball’s reigning champs to wade into uncomfortable waters. The tepid response has failed to satisfy many.
California’s governor has firmly responded to Trump’s provocation and repeated assaults on the state. But it’s foolhardy to talk about him as any sort of front-runner for the White House in 2028.
Lawmakers are following a path taken by Pete Wilson, who left the Senate to become California governor. He shares thoughts as Harris weighs a gubernatorial bid
The Bay Area’s White Pony Express salvages tons of food that would otherwise go to waste and uses it to feed the needy. But Trump is making its mission tougher.
President Trump’s dispatch of National Guard troops to L.A. is straight from his political playbook. It may serve his interests by distracting and deflecting but abdicates presidential responsibility.
Democrats in California and across the country have been beating themselves up since the election, looking for a new identity. Is it helpful, or just more navel-gazing from a party that should focus on Trump?
Brian Colbert has keenly focused on issues such as traffic and flood control. But he’s got deeply held views on the significance of his breakthrough election.