The next California governor will enter office with a track record of pursuing employers over independent contractor classification and backing state meal and rest break requirements during his time as the state's top prosecutor, experience that signals his potential approach to his new role, attorneys said.
National Labor Relations Board leadership hailed progress on a long-standing backlog of pending cases over the course of 2026, and while some attorneys who handle matters at the board said they have noticed changes, others say ongoing staffing shortages continue to hinder how quickly the board can move.
Democrats made significant midterm gains in state governments where Republicans held control, a power shift that experts said may result in new state-level laws on paid leave, salary transparency and artificial intelligence.