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
Most of those known as ‘double haters’ will come around to support one of the two major party presidential nominees. But some, like Victoria Thompson, won’t back Trump or Biden under any circumstances.
March 27, 2024
A state that fancies itself a progressive path-breaker and bastion of open-minded opportunity has never elected a woman to Sacramento’s top job. That male hegemony could finally end in 2026.
March 20, 2024
Any regional advantage has apparently been wiped away by the nationalization of politics, the everywhere reach of social media and, especially, the star-making capacity of TV news.
March 14, 2024
In falsely claiming California’s primary was rigged, Katie Porter is emulating Donald Trump and recklessly undermining faith in our embattled elections system.
March 7, 2024
By choosing Schiff, voters rejected the leftward swerve promised by more liberal alternatives. By advancing Garvey, they set up a conventional partisan runoff.
March 6, 2024
Republicans involved in the 2021 Newsom recall effort are trying again. The seventh attempt to end his governorship is a waste of time and potentially a lot of taxpayer money.
March 1, 2024
Lake called McCain a loser and told his backers to ‘get the hell out,’ but says she was kidding now that she needs their support. McCain’s daughter, for one, isn’t buying it.
Feb. 25, 2024
The Burbank congressman has been the pacesetter in California’s U.S. Senate race. As rivals campaign on passion and presence, the Democrat’s appeal is his practicality.
Feb. 22, 2024
A poll indicated many Americans believe California is on the decline and some say it’s not even “American.” Columnists Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria explain why it’s still the Golden State.
Feb. 18, 2024
President Biden isn’t the first presidential candidate to face doubts about his mental and physical capacities. Veterans of the Dole and Reagan campaigns say how they would address the issue.
Feb. 14, 2024