LOS ANGELES – Crystal Litz, President of LP Campaigns, a political consulting firm with offices in Los Angeles as well as Las Vegas was asked to weigh-in on Tuesday’s top races and how they will impact 2026, specifically the races for California governor and Mayor of Los Angeles.  

Litz, who concentrates on judicial races has a unique practice and perspective as a pragmatic Democrat in a political environment where progressives dominate the conversation.  

PROPOSITION 50:  

It seems Democrats universally agree on Proposition 50, and Litz is also supportive of the measure which is expected to pass. She had high praise for Governor Gavin Newsom to rally the party around 50.  

“It’s likely to pass.  But some polling is showing it with a huge lead I think is misleading.  I feel like it will be a sizeable victory but not a landslide. One “tell” about how things are going – practically every Democratic pol in California is actively campaigning on YES. This is definitely not a reform, but if Texas wants to ignore the rules, Governor Newsom really had no choice and it’s commendable that he and Democrats were able to get this together so quickly and effectively.” 

NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL: 

This race features Socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani of Queens, former NY Governor & Clinton cabinet member (HUD) Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, conservative radio talk show host and founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer citizen watch group that monitors crime on the NYC Subway system. They are trying to succeed incumbent Mayor Eric Adams who left the race and has endorsed Cuomo, the independent. Mamdani won the Democratic Primary over Cuomo. Will the avowed socialist win?  

Cuomo, ironically like his father before him lost races for mayor, but both prevailed for New York governor.  

“Electing Mamdani will have very serious ramifications for the Democratic party. Here we have people all over the country telling Democrats that we are out of touch and then in the same moment, we are poised to elect a Socialist with almost no experience to run the largest City in the country.  You may not like Andrew Cuomo or his campaign, but we must also admit he’s right. This is a terrible combination,” offered Litz.  

“Mamdani has tapped into frustration on housing and affordability, but his ideas are more ideological than practical. New York City is a progressive city, but not necessarily a socialist one. Voters want solutions. Not slogans.  And there’s a very real risk his platform could push businesses and jobs out of the city. I’m praying for a Cuomo win, but I suspect Mamdani takes this race.  Not ideal.” 

GOVERNOR’S RACES IN VIRGINIA AND NEW JERSEY:  

The Virgina race has Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears (R) trying to hold the seat for the GOP as incumbent Glenn Youngkin is barred from seeking a second term. Virgina has a quirky one term limit. Her opponent is US Representative Abigal Spanberger (D), who previously was an operations officer with the CIA. The winner will be the 75th governor of the Commonwealth.  

Republican Jack Ciattarelli is making his third bid for NJ governor and made a surprisingly strong showing four years ago against incumbent Phil Murphy who is term limited.  The Democrats nominated US Representative Mikie Sherrill (D) who won a competitive primary last June. A former prosecutor and US Naval helicopter pilot, She finds herself in a very competitive contest in this blue state.  

“Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherril win.  And they should.  They’re the right Democrats for those states and the kind of Democrat who win tough races — pragmatic, focused, and moderate.  They’re the original “mod squad” and I’m a huge fan of both. This will give us a lot of momentum heading into 2026,” offered Litz.  

2026 RACES FOR LA MAYOR & CA GOVERNOR:  

The two major candidates are incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and former LA Superintendent of Schools Austin Buetner, an investment banker, former LA Deputy Mayor and former publisher of the LA Times & San Diego Tribune. Most observers expect developer Rick Caruso to enter the race as well. Caruso was defeated for mayor by Bass four years ago.  

“Caruso for mayor. The mayoral race just makes more sense for Carso, even with Austin Buetner’s  entry. Caruso just sent a strong e-mail with exactly what voters need to hear – practical leadership: tackling homelessness, public safety and affordability without ideology. LA is ready to try something new. A problem solver and someone with real world budgeting and decision-making skills.” 

What’s your take on the Katie Porter saga? 

“The Katie Porter story wouldn’t matter much if there wasn’t precedent. But there is.  And as a woman and a feminist, I could tell you this isn’t a case of “if a man did this, we’d all say he was tough and strong.”  No. If a man behaved this way today, we’d also question his temperament and ability to stay calm under pressure. I’ve this kind of behavior, but she isn’t talking to Trump voters.  Not to say this disqualifies her but it doesn’t help her case. It’s still way too early for a prediction here, especially with the field not fully set.  I do think former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is breaking through with a credible case to pragmatic Dems and Senator Barbara Boxer’s recent endorsement has been helpful for him.”     

CLOSING THOUGHTS:  

“What we’re seeing across the country is a recalibration. Voters – even in traditionally blue states – are gravitating toward candidates who are grounded, competent, and focused on results. It’s less about left or right, and more about who can actually govern.” 

Litz has directed statewide ballot‐initiative campaigns, legislative issue campaigns, and other competitive races. She is noted as a recognized authority on judicial campaigns in California, having helped elect dozens of Superior Court judges across the state.  Her firm assists clients including unions, advocacy groups, political party organizations, businesses, in areas such as campaign management, public affairs, crisis communications, coalition building and grassroots organizing.

 

(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of Los Angeles who covers the political scene as it impacts Venice and the Westside where he resides. A former legislative aide to the New Jersey General Assembly and local school board member, he can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].)