Politics

California's independent redistricting commission is struggling to finish new congressional maps. While its deliberations are contentious, Texas is being sued over its maps, pushed through by the Republican legislature and governor.

History will remember 2021 as the year when a windfall of governmentspending sought to address years of inequality, poverty and a growingpopulation left behind. Trillions of dollars were spent by the federal government, but California’s state government, facing the nation’s highest poverty rate, also saw an unprecedented budget surplus that the state’s supermajority Democrats used […]

The independent citizens panel isn't just being criticized for the legislative and congressional districts it's drawing. It's already in court over alleged secret meetings and studies. Now, it's facing questions over its spending and budget.

California's citizens redistricting commission is designed to be nonpartisan, but party politics will be influenced by its final congressional and legislative maps. Most studies say Democrats will still have the upper hand.

The state's redistricting commission isn't supposed to consider where current elected officials live. And the preliminary maps put some House members and state legislators into less politically friendly districts, or in the same district as another incumbent.

Gov. Newsom says the situation with homeless encampments is unacceptable. The state housing agency is funding more services, while Caltrans is clearing some camps. But advocates are wary.

Elaine Howle is stepping down at the end of 2021 after 21 years on the job. Her office has issued audits of a wide range of state agencies, including a series of highly critical reviews of California's pandemic response and spending. In an interview with CalMatters, she talks about her biggest accomplishments and stiffest challenges.

California's independent redistricting commission reaches a key milestone by releasing its preliminary congressional and legislative maps for public comment. But many changes are likely before final districts are adopted in late December for the 2022 election.

Draft maps are raising concerns from advocates and partisans. The state's independent commission is responding in its line drawing as it released its official preliminary districts on Nov. 10 and now works toward final maps. But not everyone is satisfied.

An FAQ for voters on California redistricting as the state's independent commission finishes new congressional and legislative maps for the 2022 election and beyond.