Politics

A person with a mustache and a sheriff’s uniform speaks at a podium, saying, “Safety Over Sanctuary.” In the background is a row of people dressed professionally and listening to the speech.

Politics

Court denies California’s bid to halt Riverside sheriff’s recount of 2025 election ballots

Chad Bianco, a Republican sheriff running for governor, seized 2025 ballots for a voter fraud investigation. California is asking a court to halt the inquiry.

By Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang • March 24, 2026

A lawmaker, wearing a tan suit and blue tie, standing in front of a podium with white pillars and red curtains in the background of the Senate Floor at the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Housing

Scott Wiener passed laws that made it easier to build in California. Can he do the same in Congress?

Scott Wiener has a reputation for producing and passing a lot of legislation. Congress has a reputation for doing nothing. If elected, will Wiener get housing laws passed at a national level?

By Ben Christopher • March 23, 2026

A person stands in silhouette near a large window while talking on a phone. Outside, the yellow tower of the Tower Bridge rises above trees and buildings in the distance.

Politics

Pebble Beach golf, Maui resorts, European tours: How special interests woo California lawmakers

Why learn about policy in Sacramento when you can do it in Maui? Special interests spent at least $1.2 million sending lawmakers to luxury destinations last year and handing out perks.

By Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman • March 20, 2026

César Chávez speaks at a podium, gesturing with both hands, with a microphone in front and a U.S. flag and blue curtain behind him.

Politics

California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past

Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by his life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault by César Chávez.

By Ryan Sabalow, Jeanne Kuang, Nadia Lathan and Yue Stella Yu • March 18, 2026

A blue sign advertising gas prices from $5.99 to $6.39 per gallon towers over a clear blue sky at a gas station.

Politics

Some California Democrats pitch gas price relief as prices at the pump soar

Experts say the latest gas price spike is driven by global oil markets and the Iran conflict, while California’s higher base price stems from refinery closures, the state’s market and environmental rules.

By Jeanne Kuang and Alejandro Lazo • March 18, 2026

An offshore oil platform stands in the ocean near Santa Barbara as waves roll in the foreground and coastal mountains rise in the background during sunset light.

Environment

Citing Iran crisis, Trump orders Santa Barbara oil pipeline restart. California will fight it

The Trump administration ordered the restart of a Santa Barbara oil pipeline shut since the 2015 Refugio spill, invoking emergency powers under the Defense Production Act.

By Alejandro Lazo • March 13, 2026

CalMatters California Voter Guide 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Elections

Get ready for California’s 2026 primary. Your questions about voting, answered

Where do I vote? Am I registered to vote? Does everyone get a ballot in the mail? Answers to your election day questions ahead of June 2.

By CalMatters Staff • March 13, 2026

A Shell gas station price sign displays the cost of regular, plus, V-Power gasoline, and renewable diesel. A car is parked near the pumps beneath the station canopy in the background.

Environment

California passed a law to curb spikes in gas prices. Why isn’t it using those powers now?

California built a first-in-the-nation system to police refinery profits during price spikes. Regulators delayed it for five years.

By Alejandro Lazo • March 13, 2026

A person in a dark suit gently adjusts a medal worn by an elderly military veteran seated beside them. The veteran wears a decorated dress uniform with multiple ribbons and a star-shaped medal on a blue ribbon around the neck, while other people stand nearby during the ceremony.

Politics

‘A Top Gun pilot like no other’: The story behind a 100-year-old veteran’s surprise Medal of Honor

Korean War pilot Royce Williams battled Russian jets in the longest historic dogfight, kept secret for half a century. At 100 years old, he earned the Medal of Honor.

By Deborah Brennan • March 12, 2026

The top of a unidentifiable person's head as they stand in front of a voting booth. The person wears a black hat, red shirt and brown shorts.

Politics

Voter ID could be headed to the California ballot. Opponents plan to make it about Trump

A voter ID ballot initiative is gaining momentum in California as opponents aim to mount a campaign focused on President Donald Trump’s push for similar nationwide requirements.

By Nadia Lathan • March 10, 2026