On Nov. 5, the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento is partnering with Capitol Weekly on a post-general election event featuring political experts, strategists and journalists who will analyze election results. Discussions will examine key statewide and legislative races, ballot measures, the state of polling and political parties, and emerging trends from the 2026 election, as well as what the results could mean for California’s political and policy landscape moving forward.

This hybrid event will take place in Sacramento and online: Register to attend in Sacramento or via Zoom.

Program schedule

8:30 a.m.: Check-in and coffee

9:15 a.m.: Introduction and Welcome

• Catharine Baker, UC Student and Policy Center
• Tim Foster, Open California

9:30 – 10:20 a.m.: Blue Wave or Washout?

What is our takeaway from the election?  Midterms are usually a referendum on the party in power; with gas prices at unprecedented highs and presidential approval at a historic low, will Republicans pay the price at the ballot box? And, what was the impact of Proposition 50, which redrew California’s congressional districts? Journalist Laurel Rosenhall of The New York Times will moderate this panel, featuring:

• Sean Clegg, Bearstar Strategies
• Rusty Hicks, California Democratic Party
• Lindsay Hopkins, SEIU California
• Andre Levesque, Gilliard Blanning and Levesque

10:40 – 11:30 a.m.: The Ballot Initiatives

California voters confronted a wide variety of themes on this year’s ballot — how did they vote on these important issues, and why? Journalist Seema Mehta of the Los Angeles Times will moderate this panel, featuring:

• Brandon Castillo, Bicker Castillo Fairbanks & Spitz Public Affairs
• Teri Holoman, California Teachers Association
• Thad Kousser, UC San Diego
• Rob Lapsley, California Business Roundtable

11:45 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.: The View from the Parties

With party insurgents, PACs and outside influencers playing an increasingly big role in elections, where do the official Democratic and Republican parties stand? Journalist Leah O’Tarrow, of Capitol Weekly, will moderate this panel, featuring:

• Robin Swanson, California Democratic Party
• David Wilson, Red Dog Inc.

12:30 – 1:25 p.m.: Luncheon Keynote – The Polls

Pollsters have come under increased scrutiny for real or perceived “misses” in high-profile contests. How accurate were the polls this time, and what should we make of the surge of “fake” polls that roiled the LA mayor’s race and other campaigns? Journalist Ashley Zavala, of KCRA 3, will moderate this conversation featuring:

• Mark Baldassare, Public Policy Institute of California
• Shakari Byerly, Evitarus
• Mark Di Camillo, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies
• Paul Mitchell, Political Data Inc.

1:45 – 2:15 p.m.: The New Governor – A Look Ahead

The race for governor had numerous dramatic turns before narrowing to Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton. We’ll discuss the campaigns and get insights into what to expect from the new administration. Capitol Weekly editor Rich Ehisen will interview a close confidant of the incoming governor.

2:30 – 3:25 p.m.: The Dem-on-Dem Races

California’s top two primary has made intraparty contests a certainty in many Golden State districts, creating tense battles between younger DSA-affiliated candidates and older or more moderate Democrats. Progressive outsiders did well in the primary — have they translated that energy into November wins? Jenny Huh of ABC 10 moderates a panel featuring:

• Ruth Bernstein, EMC Research
• Jorge Contreras, Working Families Party
• Doug Herman, The Strategy Group
• Nairka Joe Treviño Müller, Mai Vang for Congress
• Brian Parvizshahi, Eric Jones for Congress
• Bill Wong, Doris Matsui for Congress

For registration questions, contact the UC Student and Policy Center

For all other questions, contact Tim Foster at (916) 612- 2613 or tim.foster@capitolweekly.net.

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