Elections

A smiling person extends their right and out as they get ready to shake hands with another person in front of them at a press conference.

Politics

Newsom gave his political rival a $380k job. Special interests helped foot the bill

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to lead a state infrastructure project paid for by an outside nonprofit. The nonprofit relied on fundraising from special interests to cover the costs, but did not have to disclose the identity of those donors because of how the arrangement was structured.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Byrhonda Lyons

• June 17, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium in front of a dark blue curtain, flanked by alternating U.S. and California state flags. The lighting highlights him in the center of the frame while the flags are partially shadowed.

Politics

Gavin Newsom changes his tune on running for president

Gov. Gavin Newsom long insisted that he had no interest in running for president, despite rampant speculation. Now he’s publicly acknowledging that it’s a possibility.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 12, 2025

A children’s book titled “The Hips of a Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” sits on the top of a plastic table with a no on Measure A&B sign put behind it. In the background is a group of people standing around the table and rows of palm trees around.

Politics

Is it sex education or porn? Huntington Beach comes to blows over library books

Huntington Beach will decide next week on whether to repeal a community review board for library material. It’s a test of the conservative city council’s growing clout and the national movement to restrict access to sexual content in children’s books.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 3, 2025

Four young people, wearing business attire, stand in the front row of the audience section at an event.

Politics

Young Democrats offer lessons for their leaders at party convention

Young Californians were disillusioned with Democrats last November. The solution? A simple message, a focus on cost-of-living and progressive causes, and a reckoning with the party’s age problem, say young Democrats.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• June 2, 2025

A photo of a man in a blue suit walking through a doorway into a hallway inside the U.S. Capitol building. The man is walking by a door with a window that shows his face reflected in the glass.

Politics

Eight candidates take run at longtime lawmaker in Inland Empire’s swing district

Rep. Ken Calvert has represented the 41st Congressional District more than 30 years, but redistricting has made his seat competitive. Seven Democrats and a Republican are challenging him.

By

Deborah Brennan

• May 28, 2025

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