Capitol

Five lawmakers sit on a dais during a legislative hearing. A large oval image of the California State Senate seal can be seen hung up on the wall behind the lawmakers.

Politics

California lawmakers reject hundreds of bills in rapid-fire hearings

Tax credits for the parents of young children. A state-funded scientific research institute. Exempting service workers’ tips from state income tax. Those are among the hundreds of proposals California lawmakers swiftly rejected Friday under the banner of cost savings, as they cited the state’s $12 billion budget deficit — a worsening figure due to the […]

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Yue Stella Yu

• May 23, 2025

Three people look to their right as they sit in front of desks in a legislative room. The person in the center, and the focus of the photograph, has long black hair and wears a black blazer.

Politics

Sen. Sabrina Cervantes cited for DUI while allegedly under the influence of a drug

Sen. Sabrina Cervantes did not appear to be at fault in a crash near the California Capitol, CalMatters found. But police claim she was driving under the influence of a drug.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Jeanne Kuang

• May 21, 2025

A legislative chamber filled with lawmakers seated at wooden desks. The room features high ceilings, large chandeliers, tall green curtains, and classical architectural details with white columns and gold trim.

Politics

California Democrats backed into a corner over teen sex solicitation

California Republicans are increasingly pushing Democrats on child sex crimes bills. The supermajority is growing more divided about it.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• May 2, 2025

Two giant doors with oval glass windows illuminate the silhouettes of people standing around and talking to each other at the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Data & Trackers

Special interests poured more than half a billion into California lobbying last year

Google, oil companies and utilities helped push California lobbying to a record $540 million in 2024, up 10% from the year before.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• April 21, 2025

An inmate at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

California Republicans want to get tougher on crime. Are Democrats shifting their way?

A California Republican state senator finds his crime bills getting a warmer welcome this year. Democrats say they’re just responding to their voters.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 18, 2025

Politics

Democracy in the dark: How California lawmakers are trying to shield themselves from public view

State lawmakers have introduced at least a dozen proposals that would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.

By

Sameea Kamal

and

Yue Stella Yu

• April 1, 2025

A wall covered in political campaign signs featuring various candidates and slogans, predominantly promoting "Corrin Rankin for CRP Chair" along with other names running for different positions. A water fountain is visible in the background. Two people walk past the display, slightly blurred in motion, one wearing a red and white patterned outfit with red boots.

Politics

California Republicans say they’re making a comeback. Can they keep Trump at arm’s length?

California Republicans vie to capitalize on their November victories and break Democratic supermajority while balancing Trump's influence

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 17, 2025

A crowd of people holding blue and white signs that say either " ICE out of California," "MAGA out of California" or "Sanctuary.

Politics

California Democrats grow quieter on ‘sanctuary’ for immigrants as Trump promises mass deportation

Eight years ago, California Democrats adopted “sanctuary” policies to protect immigrants from President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. But now, as Trump ramps up threats against sanctuary states and cities, Democratic leaders have taken on a softer tone.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• February 26, 2025

A group of officials and first responders walk through a fire-damaged area with a charred building in the background. One individual wears sunglasses, while others wear jackets or uniforms.

Politics

Politicians rise or fall on disaster response. The LA fires are Gavin Newsom’s big test

Lea esta historia en Español Gov. Gavin Newsom has become a familiar sight around Los Angeles since the firestorm that swept through the region last month, leveling neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. In the first days of the disaster, he was spotted touring the wreckage. In the weeks after, he launched a recovery initiative […]

By

Alexei Koseff

• February 19, 2025

A view of a plane on the tarmac of an airport through the windows of a terminal. In the foreground of the photo is two silhouettes of people in the airport, one sitting down working at their laptop while the other walks by with their luggage. In the reflection of the glass, more people can be seen waiting in the airport terminal.

Politics

Who’s paying for California politicians’ travel? After CalMatters’ report, audit proposes a legal fix

The audit by the state's Fair Political Practices Commission followed CalMatters’ revelations that a law requiring trip organizers to annually disclose their major donors had been used only twice in seven years — even as interest groups continued paying millions for lawmakers' travel.

By

Alexei Koseff

• February 14, 2025