Blue wave? California tops list as midterm matchups form Source: AP

For years sidelined on the national political fringe, California has lurched to the center of the fight for control of Congress. No state will be more consequential in the success or failure of a prospective blue wave this fall.

California primary holds promise and peril for Democrats as they seek to win House majority

Democrats have so many candidates running in key races, they fear voters will split the vote and allow only GOP contenders to advance to the general election. California primary holds promise and peril for Democrats as they seek to win House majority Democrats have so many candidates running in key races, they fear voters will split the vote and allow only GOP contenders to advance to the general election.

Democrats go all-out to avoid disaster in California House races

National Democrats, confronting political chaos across Southern California, are pouring millions of dollars into congressional races to avert a self-inflicted disaster that could undermine their chances at taking control of the House. After months of optimism that the state's June 5 primary would position them to pick off seven Republican-held districts in November - a substantial down payment on reclaiming the House - Democrats are now trying to ensure that they do not hurt themselves because of their unusually crowded slates of candidates.

The Health 202: These Republicans may pay a political price for their health-care votes

Megan Shade and Victoria Rivera participate in a health-care protest outside the office of Rep. Carlos Curbelo on March 8, 2017, in Miami. Fourteen House Republicans took a big risk last year in voting for a bill repealing much of Obamacare.

California’s Orange County could determine Congress control

Chased out of much of California by Democrats who hold every statewide office and a 39-14 advantage in U.S. House seats, the party is trying to hold its ground in a place whose nickname, the Orange Curtain, recalls its famous Republican bona fides and where white, suburban homeowners once delivered winning margins for its candidates year after year. But that's changed.

Petition to repeal gas tax increase submitted, organizers expect it will qualify for November ballot

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, front, and congressional candidate Diane Harkey, in yellow, carry boxes of signatures into the office of the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox, front, and congressional candidate Diane Harkey, in yellow, carry boxes of signatures into the office of the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.

GOP super PAC showering millions on endangered California…

Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock , beneficiary of a GOP-oriented super PAC's commitment to spend millions of ad dollars in the 2018 election. Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock , beneficiary of a GOP-oriented super PAC's commitment to spend millions of ad dollars in the 2018 election.

FBI more interested in suing Apple than accessing San Bernardino evidence, members of Congress say

The FBI was more interested in forcing Apple to unlock the San Bernardino shooter's cellphone rather look at other options in a time-sensitive investigation, a group of bipartisan members of Congress said Friday. In a letter to FBI Directory Christopher Wray, the representatives said the bureau was more interested in squeezing Apple than cracking the case.

House retirements show how Trump is splitting GOP

Those leaving office without a clear next political step tend to come from places where Trump is less popular. On the flip side, Republicans are more likely to leave the House to seek higher office if Trump was more popular in their districts.

Republican takes lead in race to replace Rep. Darrell Issa, while Democrat slips

A new poll shows that Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has taken a clear lead over 15 other candidates running to replace Rep. Darrell Issa in Congress and has overtaken Democrat Doug Applegate, the previous frontrunner. In a SurveyUSA poll by 10News and The San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez has support of 16 percent of likely voters, putting him ahead of Applegate, a lawyer, who was favored by 12 percent of voters and is in second place.

Trey Gowdy’s Job Is Important. Why Isn’t He Doing It?

If you follow the activities of Rep. Trey Gowdy , you could be forgiven for having no idea that he oversees the chief investigative arm of the legislative branch. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Gowdy chairs, is designed to be a watchdog for the American people.

Some Lessons from California for Donald Trump

In many ways, the Golden State represents the American future that Trump-with his white nativism and economic protectionism-is trying to turn back, Canute style. Once a bastion of Nixon-Reagan Republicanism, California is now among the most diverse states in the country, with Hispanics and Asians making up a majority of the population.

Legal experts say White House has expanded use of executive privilege without actually invoking it

President Trump with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan at a Republican retreat on Feb. 1. President Trump with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan at a Republican retreat on Feb. 1. When President Trump 's former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski , appeared in January before the House Intelligence Committee investigating Russian political interference, he refused to answer questions about his conversations with Trump after he was fired by the future president in June 2016. The Republicans running the panel responded not with a subpoena, which Congress can use to compel testimony.

A Democratic war in Texas’s seventh district

FEW people beyond Texas's seventh district had heard of Laura Moser before her own party tried to discredit her. Late last month, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee took the rare step of publishing embarrassing opposition research on the journalist and activist who wants to take on John Culberson, a Republican, in the mid-terms in November.

California Democrats Fail to Narrow Crowded US House Races

California Democrats struggled to narrow the field Saturday in several U.S. House races critical to the party's hope of taking back Congress in the midterm elections. None of the five candidates in the Orange County district currently held by retiring Republican Rep. Darrell Issa gained enough support to win the party's official endorsement, exacerbating concerns that a crowded field could make it easier for Republicans to hold the seat.

The Latest: No California Democratic Party nod in key race

Democratic congressional candidate Doug Applegate, left, talks with delegate Stephan Bartram in front of supporters at the 2018 California Democrats State Convention Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in San Diego. Democratic congressional candidate Doug Applegate, left, talks with delegate Stephan Bartram in front of supporters at the 2018 California Democrats State Convention Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in San Diego.