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 a dozen 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.
Latest From This Author
A first-of-its-kind survey of more than 3,300 immigrants nationwide confounds some of the conventional wisdom surrounding their politics and partisanship.
Nov. 30, 2023
Reps. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Ken Buck of Colorado have had enough of Congress and its disorder. The Democrat and Republican see different ways out of the dysfunction.
Nov. 28, 2023
Home-state voters supported Govs. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush when they ran for president. Gavin Newsom isn’t running but draws ire in California for acting like he is.
Nov. 10, 2023
Surveys show how vulnerable the 80-year-old Biden is as he seeks a second term. But they say precious little about how the 2024 election will turn out.
Nov. 8, 2023
Arizona, once red as a desert sunset, is now a key presidential battleground. Was Biden’s win in the Grand Canyon State a fluke, or a sign of lasting change?
Nov. 1, 2023
Skipping a Senate run, Butler gains time to rack up achievements, introduce herself to voters and lay groundwork for a future campaign. It’s a smart move.
Oct. 20, 2023
The House rightly rejected Jim Jordan in two rounds of balloting. But that was no thanks to California Republicans who put tribal loyalty above the country’s best interest.
Oct. 18, 2023
New research has uncovered a troubling exodus of local election officials — those on the front lines fighting to preserve and protect our democracy. Lawmakers need to act.
Oct. 10, 2023
Dianne Feinstein is remembered in a service befitting a monarch. But the memorial was also a homecoming and farewell from those who knew her best.
Oct. 5, 2023
The death of Dianne Feinstein and her replacement by Laphonza Butler fulfills a pledge Gavin Newsom made. But not without some issues along the way.
Oct. 4, 2023