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
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
McCarthy’s ouster from a job he long coveted was induced by far-right Republicans with the support of vengeance-minded Democrats. It was dramatic, but no surprise.
Oct. 3, 2023
Laphonza Butler will bring a fresh perspective to the Senate. But Gavin Newsom should have kept his pledge to name a caretaker to replace Dianne Feinstein.
Oct. 2, 2023
It was selfish for Sen. Dianne Feinstein to stay in office. The other side to that stubbornness: ramrod determination and an unsinking resilience.
Sept. 29, 2023
The condemnation of indicted Sen. Robert Menendez by fellow Democrats stands in contrast to the see-no-evil response of Republicans to the serial indictments of former President Trump.
Sept. 26, 2023
Donald Trump should never hold office again. But the way to send him to permanent exile is a thrashing at the polls, not kicking him off the 2024 ballot as some Democrats would like.
Sept. 20, 2023
In McCarthy’s district, voters strongly favor impeaching Biden — for all sorts of reasons having nothing to do with his son Hunter or alleged corruption.
Sept. 17, 2023
The late Sen. Harry Reid’s clout and fundraising muscle made Nevada’s Democratic Party a juggernaut. In transforming the state, he recast the race for the White House.
Sept. 14, 2023
Newsom promised 2 1/2 years ago to appoint a Black woman if California Sen. Dianne Feinstein failed to finish her term. Circumstances have changed and the governor is right to modify his pledge.
Sept. 11, 2023