Politics

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

A close view shows a person using a laptop displaying a news website with a headline and photo on the screen. Another laptop sits nearby on the desk, and the scene is set in a modern office environment with glass walls and overhead lighting.

Technology

It was John Wayne’s political club. Now it’s spending millions on online influence

The Lincoln Media Foundation has spent big to push ‘local’ conservative messaging

By Colin Lecher • March 9, 2026

Candidates stand at podiums on a stage during a televised debate titled “The Race for California Governor.” A large screen in the foreground displays a close-up of one candidate speaking with live captions visible.

Politics

The field is set: Meet the candidates officially running for California governor

Eight Democrats and two Republicans have filed officially to run for California governor by the Friday deadline. The crowded field could give GOP candidates a boost.

By Yue Stella Yu • March 6, 2026

A U.S. lawmaker sits at a desk with a microphone during a congressional hearing. A nameplate reading “Rep. Issa” is visible on the desk in front of them, with wood-paneled seating and other officials in the background.

Politics

GOP Rep. Darrell Issa to retire rather than run in redrawn San Diego district

The 12-term congressman said Friday that he will not seek reelection in his new district, which was redrawn after Prop. 50 to favor Democrats.

By Nadia Lathan • March 6, 2026

Flanked by lawmakers and gun safety advocates, Gov. Gavin Newsom signs new gun legislation into law at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023.

Politics

A podcaster gave Newsom a gun. Are California laws keeping him from taking it home?

Last year, conservative podcaster Shawn Ryan gave Gavin Newsom a SIG Sauer handgun, which the governor has yet to take home. To do so, Newsom would have to navigate a complicated web of California gun laws.

By Ryan Sabalow • March 6, 2026

A person in a blue suit speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk in a government hearing room, with nameplates visible on the desks and other people blurred in the background.

Politics

Would Sacramento voters send a Republican to Congress? Kevin Kiley is betting on it

Kiley's much-anticipated decision comes after Prop. 50 turned the two-term congressman's current district solidly Democratic and left him with no easy path to reelection.

By Maya C. Miller • March 5, 2026