Commentary

Two people in suits stand face-to-face on a stage in front of a crowd holding signs supporting voting rights and democracy. A podium sign in the foreground reads “Election Rigging Response Act.”

Newsom handpicked a generation of California politicians. Can they help him run for president?

An entire generation of California elected officials owe their current jobs and their political prospects to Gavin Newsom.

By Robert Greene

A person stands at a podium smiling while speaking to a crowd, with large teal campaign signage in the background reading “Becerra for Governor.” Four other people stand on the left side of stage as they look towards the speaker.

If California’s race for governor is a stress test for democracy, it’s failing

The top-two primary system can produce chaos and disengaged voters. This year’s picks for governor are coming from a small share of voters.

By Daniel Wolf

A person smiles and applauds while standing in front of a large blue-and-yellow campaign sign. They wear a floral-patterned outer layer over dark clothing and are photographed outdoors in daylight.

Pratt out, Raman in: What Los Angeles voters can now expect in the mayoral race

Nithya Raman's success at making the runoff in the L.A. mayor's race means Karen Bass will need to answer difficult questions about high living costs and public safety.

By Jim Newton

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

California treats homelessness spending as action. That’s not a measure of success

California understands the pathway into homelessness. What the state still lacks is a coordinated system designed to interrupt it before families lose housing.

By Tangela Babbitt

A person in sunglasses and a red shirt holds up a sign that reads, “Immigrant Rights are Human Rights!,” while standing in a crowd holding more signs.

Commentary

How we discuss and enforce immigration laws has lasting impacts on California families

Growing up with the constant fear of a parent's deportation was a heavy burden, says the daughter of an undocumented father. How California communities discuss and pursue immigration enforcement has a profound impact on vulnerable children.

By Carielle Escalante • April 30, 2025

People gather and prepare for session inside the California State Assembly chamber, with a screen at the front displaying the date and time: "Friday, March 28, 2025, 9:00 A.M." Some individuals are seated while others walk or converse near desks and the dais.

Commentary

When California politicians ignore policy risks, failure and scandal often result

California lawmakers have a knack for instituting major programs without scrutinizing the potential downsides. A new proposal to create a state infrastructure financing board could become another example.

By Dan Walters • April 30, 2025

An over-the-shoulder view of a person typing on a laptop with a window open to Facebook with the words “Privacy Check-up” on the screen. On the right side of the frame is the person’s ear and their hands on the keyboard as they type.

Commentary

California’s battle over data privacy and algorithm protections reaches a crossroads

After California lawmakers and voters enacted landmark data privacy laws, a key state agency and several politicians are folding under pressure from powerful business interests and pushing to weaken protections.

By Justin Kloczko • April 29, 2025

Commentary

One faction scores win in Capitol’s perpetual ‘tort wars’ while another battleground looms

In the latest installment of the Capitol's "tort wars," a new proposal that would've enabled higher payouts for tax disputes was killed. Meanwhile, larger lawsuit payouts are affecting Los Angeles coffers, creating politically unusual positions.

By Dan Walters • April 29, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Harris ponders run for California governor, is she prepared for the daunting job?

California's future governor will have to deal with its housing shortage, homelessness, poverty, uncertain water supply, educational deficiencies and budget deficits.

By Dan Walters • April 25, 2025

People wearing black cap and gowns with red, green and white colored sashes stand in front of chairs during a graduation ceremony in font of attendees in an arena.

Commentary

New California school data project fulfills campaign promise Newsom made

The Cradle-to Career dashboard shows where high school students land after graduation. It could make schools more accountable to parents and taxpayers.

By Dan Walters • April 24, 2025

Power lines in Sacramento on Sept. 20, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

Over a century later, California may need another revolt against its utility companies

More than a century after California voters created the Public Utilities Commission to keep powerful companies in check, the commission has lost its way, and Californians are fed up.

By Loretta Lynch • April 23, 2025

A person, wearing black sunglasses, a black sweater and blue pants, scans their credit card on an electric vehicle charging port while a pump is connected to their white car.

Commentary

Given its failures, can California manage a transition to a carbon-free future?

The mileposts on the road to a carbon-free California are beginning to appear, but the state is already falling behind. The just announced closure of another refinery isn't reassuring.

By Dan Walters • April 23, 2025

Solar installers from Baker Electric place solar panels on the roof of a residential home in Scripps Ranch, San Diego on Oct. 14, 2016. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Commentary

Keeping California’s lights on will require a major electricity market, partnerships across the West

Senate Bill 540 will help California reach its challenging but achievable goals of clean, reliable and affordable electricity by moving toward an expanded energy market across the West.

By Michael Wara • April 22, 2025

A row of stacked white shipping containers with the word 'Matson' printed on them dominates the background. In the foreground, parts of a semi-truck and a red shipping container are visible. The scene is set along a hillside with sparse greenery under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

California’s economy was already sluggish before Trump’s global tariffs

California's high unemployment rate and job losses in private industries predated President Trump's global trade crusade.

By Dan Walters • April 22, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California