upper waypoint

California’s Fast-Moving Governor’s Race; Rural Midwives Create Birth Center in Eureka

Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

California gubernatorial candidates (L-R) Democrat Tony Thurmond, Republican Chad Bianco, Democrat Tom Steyer, Republican Steve Hilton, Democrat Xavier Becerra, Democrat Katie Porter, Democrat Matt Mahan and Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa stand during a commercial break during the CBS California Gubernatorial Debate at Pomona College on April 28, 2026 in Claremont, California.  (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Listen to this and more in-depth storytelling by subscribing to The California Report Magazine podcast.

California’s Governor’s Race Remains Wide Open. Here’s What to Know Before the Primary

From controversies to campaign promises, California’s governor’s race is national news. And with ballots landing in mailboxes already, the race is still a toss-up — with eight candidates vying for the state’s top job. We sit down with KQED political correspondents Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos to hear more about the candidates and what we should look for in the final weeks before Election Day. 

In Northern California’s Maternity Desert, a Humboldt Midwife Offers Intimate Births

Despite being the nation’s most populous state, there’s increasingly fewer places to give birth.  In rural areas, giving birth can be  difficult and dangerous as local hospitals shut down maternity wards. In Humboldt County, some women now travel hours in labor to reach the nearest delivery room. One small birth center in Eureka is trying to fill that gap with a different approach to care. There, midwives spend more time with patients and offer a calmer, more personal setting for births. It’s a model that could help address the state’s growing maternity care crisis.

lower waypoint
next waypoint
Player sponsored by