Santa Barbara Newsmakers
Mark Z. Barabak; May 14, 2026
L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak returns for a deep dive on the California governor’s race.
L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak returns for a deep dive on the California governor’s race, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the front-runners – and offering some on-the-ground intel on the disconnect between what Actual Voters and the pundit class are focused on, 19 days before June 2 primary. Plus: insights about the national war over redistricting, Gavin Newsom’s nascent presidential campaign and Kamala Harri