Elections

A person wearing a blue shirt uses both hands to gesture as they talk.

Politics

A Fox News host? A sheriff? Is there a Republican who can finally win statewide in California again?

Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco lead the field of Republicans who hope to snap a long GOP losing streak in next year's California governor's race.

By Alexei Koseff • April 22, 2025

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis at the State of the State ceremony on March 8, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

California’s lieutenant governor leases offices to the state. What if she’s elected governor?

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis told CalMatters she will address potential conflicts of interest with her extensive property investments by establishing a blind trust if she is elected governor of California next year.

By Alexei Koseff • April 11, 2025

An assembly member in a suit stands up with a microphone during a session and is surrounded by other assembly members in the chambers at the state Capitol.

Politics

Riverside County gets special election after lawmaker suddenly resigns

Bill Essayli abruptly left his Assembly seat April 1 when President Trump made him a U.S. Attorney. Here's what comes next for voters.

By Deborah Brennan • April 9, 2025

A speaker gestures while standing at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party” during an event. A large screen behind him shows a mirrored projection of the stage with American and California flags in the background.

Politics

Xavier Becerra jumps into crowded race for California governor

The former California attorney general noted that he had experience fighting Trump after suing his first administration more than 100 times.

By Alexei Koseff • April 2, 2025

A person stands in front of a lectern while speaking into a microphone. A tall velvet curtain can be seen behind them. The lectern includes a sign on the front that includes the words "#CaliforniaForAll" and "College Corps." The person wears a black suit with a light purple shirt and a yellow and blue striped tie.

Politics

California’s schools chief has a $200,000 salary and a side gig

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has regularly worked side jobs at Bay Area nonprofits to earn extra income because he says the state pay is insufficient.

By Alexei Koseff • April 2, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom during a press conference where he signed new gun legislation into law at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s MAGA-curious podcast mystifies listeners — and sets Democratic lawmakers on edge

Gavin Newsom's podcast launch baffles allies and critics alike as the governor disappears from public events, raising questions about his leadership priorities and political future.

By Alexei Koseff • March 20, 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 speaker stands at a podium labeled "CADEM California Democratic Party," delivering a speech with a hand gesture. The background features dark blue curtains and a California state flag. In the foreground, an audience member holds up a phone to capture the moment. The lighting highlights the speaker against the dimly lit backdrop.

Politics

Katie Porter enters race for California governor promising to stand up to Donald Trump

Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter is the latest politician joining the competitive 2026 race for California governor. All eyes are on former Vice President Kamala Harris.

By Alexei Koseff • March 11, 2025

Two voters cast their ballots at a vote center, in Huntington Beach Sept. 14, 2021. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Elections

New California voter ID ban puts conservative cities at odds with state

A new law prohibits local governments from mandating voter identification, but Huntington Beach is fighting back.

By Alexei Koseff • December 20, 2024

Elections

Gambling companies spent big to defeat three California lawmakers. ‘We want to be respected’

California’s card room industry spent over $3 million targeting four lawmakers as payback for their votes on a gambling bill. Three of the lawmakers lost.

By Ryan Sabalow • December 10, 2024