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
For nearly a quarter-century, voters in Clallam County, Wash., have gone with the winner in 11 straight presidential elections. The streak ended on Tuesday as voters favored Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.
Nov. 7, 2024
The soul of America, on this November day of our Lord, is a dark and foreboding place. A place where the better angels of nature have been outmatched by fear and hatred.
Nov. 6, 2024
Let’s celebrate the end of the most vexing, mean-spirited presidential election in modern times. Once we have a winner, some will refuse to acknowledge it.
Nov. 5, 2024
An upset in the Lone Star state could preserve Democratic control of the U.S. Senate. Ex-NFL linebacker Colin Allred is running against the pugilistic incumbent.
Nov. 1, 2024
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez narrowly won in a district Trump carried twice. She hopes local issues and a willingness to buck her party will help in her rematch with a MAGA Republican.
Oct. 27, 2024
Supporters dismiss Trump’s threat to withhold federal disaster funds and deploy the military as empty bluster. But his past actions give cause for concern.
Oct. 17, 2024
GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is seeking reelection in a district that favored Joe Biden. The race will not only help decide control of Congress but show how much party labels matter in these polarized times
Oct. 13, 2024
The stiff sentence given disgraced Colorado elections official Tina Peters should serve as a deterrent to others promoting Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the 2020 election being stolen. The judge was having none of her nonsense.
Oct. 8, 2024
The Trump-Harris race will come down to the seven states that decided the last presidential race. The fight for control of the House and Senate also looks to be close.
Oct. 6, 2024
JD Vance and Tim Walz met Tuesday for the vice presidential debate on CBS News. L.A. Times columnists provided live updates of the best and worst moments.
Oct. 1, 2024