CAPITOL DAYBOOK NEWS

Justice Department drops lawsuit that sought to set aside 20,000 California ballots

The Justice Department on Friday voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit seeking to stop California from counting mail ballots tied to about 20,000 voters it alleged were likely noncitizens, saying the challenged ballots can no longer be separated from lawful ones.

Reuters Associated Press · 11/6/26

Most of Newsom death row commutations need California Supreme Court approval

Governor Gavin Newsom can commute 166 death sentences on his own, but 382 of the 548 commutations he announced November 5 first need approval from a majority of the California Supreme Court because those prisoners have multiple felony convictions.

• Newsom announced commutations for all 548 people on California death row, converting each sentence to life in prison without parole.
• The governor can act alone on 166 cases; 382 cases need agreement from at least four of the seven Supreme Court justices.
• Newsom asked the court to recommend a path for the 382 cases by the end of the year, before his term ends.
• If the court does not act before Newsom leaves office, the requests would not roll over to the next governor.

Desert Sun USA TODAY · 11/6/26

Friday count narrows Matsui lead and puts Jones ahead of Thompson in Sacramento region races

In Friday vote counts, Representative Doris Matsui held an 11 percentage point lead over Mai Vang with about two thirds of the vote counted, while Democrat Eric Jones led Representative Mike Thompson with about 51.4 percent in the 4th District.

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Voters reject Proposition 40 billionaire tax in projection, and Proposition 42 passes

Decision Desk HQ projected that Proposition 40, a one time 5 percent tax on residents worth more than 1 billion dollars, failed with 54 percent voting no. Proposition 42, a competing measure restricting future wealth taxes, passed.

• Decision Desk HQ projected Proposition 40 failed, 54 percent no to 46 percent yes.
• The measure would have levied a one time 5 percent tax on the net worth of California residents worth more than 1 billion dollars.
• Proposition 42, a competing measure designed to restrict wealth taxes, passed, creating a new obstacle to future wealth taxes.
• SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, the union behind Proposition 40, vowed to try again in 2028 if the Legislature does not fund health care another way.

Political.org Desert Sun · 11/6/26

Jane Kim declares victory in insurance commissioner race as Ben Allen concedes

Jane Kim declared victory Friday over fellow Democrat Ben Allen in the race for insurance commissioner, leading by more than 400,000 votes at 52.7 percent to 47.3 percent. Allen called Kim to congratulate her, and Kim will succeed term limited Ricardo Lara.

Insurance Journal The Real Deal $ · 11/6/26

Brian Goldsmith wins state Senate District 24 race, Associated Press reports

Democrat Brian Goldsmith will represent the 24th State Senate District, which includes UCLA and surrounding communities, after receiving 56.6 percent of the vote against Democrat John Erickson at 43.4 percent as of Friday, the Associated Press announced. Goldsmith succeeds term limited Ben Allen.

Daily Bruin · 11/6/26

Hilton says anger at Trump helped sink his governor campaign and does not rule out another run

Republican Steve Hilton said there is no question anger at President Trump helped sink his campaign for governor. Results reported Thursday morning showed Xavier Becerra at 64.4 percent to Hilton at 35.6 percent, and Hilton said he would consider another run for office.

New York Post · 11/5/26

Proposition 5 recall measure remains uncalled with yes side ahead in Friday count

Proposition 5, which would remove the replacement question from state recall ballots, had not been called as of Friday. In the Secretary of State count at 5:37 p.m. on November 6, yes led 51.5 percent to 48.5 percent, and counties are still counting ballots.

California Today · 11/6/26

Voters pass housing bond and homebuyer loan program while CEQA measure trails

Voters approved Proposition 1, an 11.25 billion dollar housing bond, and Proposition 37, a 25 billion dollar loan program for buyers of new homes. Proposition 45, which would limit timelines for environmental reviews, trailed with 54.9 percent voting no in the Friday count.

• Proposition 1 had 59.4 percent yes votes, authorizing 11.25 billion dollars in bonds for affordable housing, supportive housing and veterans home loans.
• Proposition 37 had 61 percent yes votes, allowing up to 25 billion dollars in bonds for loans covering up to 17 percent of a new home purchase price.
• Proposition 45 trailed at 45.9 percent yes to 54.1 percent no; it would have set binding deadlines for environmental impact reports under CEQA.

Realtor.com RealtyWire · 11/6/26

UC and Cal State each to receive 175 million dollars for student housing from Proposition 1

The University of California and California State University will each receive 175 million dollars to build affordable student housing after voters approved Proposition 1, which passed with nearly 60 percent of the vote and set aside 350 million dollars for public university student housing.

EdSource · 11/5/26

Raman lead over Bass widens in Friday evening Los Angeles mayor count

By Friday evening, Nithya Raman had widened her lead over Mayor Karen Bass to nearly 68,500 votes, with 53.56 percent to 46.44 percent and more than 961,000 votes counted. Bass conceded Thursday, and Raman is scheduled to take office December 14.

New York Post · 11/6/26

Davis voters approve Measure W, clearing Willowgrove development with 1,250 homes

Davis voters overwhelmingly approved Measure W, clearing the Willowgrove development to build 1,250 homes on 232 acres at the city northeastern edge. The project includes at least 250 affordable units, 6.8 million dollars for affordable housing, a community park and trails.

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