Dan Walters

Amazon SMF1 facility in Sacramento on Sept. 25, 2023.

Commentary

Could taxing multinational corporations erase California’s budget deficits? Not likely

As Gov. Gavin Newsom gears up for a presidential run, other California Democrats are weighing tax hikes to counter budget deficits and federal cutbacks.

By

Dan Walters

• February 12, 2026

A sign that reads “Uber” on the glass window on the side of an office building.

Commentary

Two ads during Super Bowl hint at a high-dollar ballot battle in California next fall

Uber's ballot measure would limit the ability of injured passengers to sue. Three lawyer-back measures would hold rideshare companies responsible.

By

Dan Walters

• February 11, 2026

A person stands at a podium, smiling, wearing glasses and a navy blazer over a teal top. The podium features a sign that reads "TREATMENT NOT TENTS" with a small bear icon, suggesting a California-related context. A microphone is attached to the podium, and the background appears softly blurred.

Commentary

Troubled LA Mayor Karen Bass faces a re-election challenge from the city’s left wing

City Councilwoman Nithya Raman declared her candidacy with a few hours to spare. A left leaning progressive, she'd previously endorsed Bass.

By

Dan Walters

• February 10, 2026

A person wearing sunglasses and a light shawl walks beside another person in a suit outside a courthouse, surrounded by reporters and TV crews holding microphones and cameras.

Commentary

California can’t shed a history of persistent government corruption

Prosecutions, referenda, recalls and regulatory agencies have, over the years, curbed some of California's government corruption, but not all of it.

By

Dan Walters

• February 6, 2026

The skyline of San Francisco as seen from Bernal Heights Hill on March 16, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s once soaring population has hit a plateau. So will its national political clout

Stagnant foreign migration, fewer births and people moving to other states mean California loses congressional seats and electoral votes.

By

Dan Walters

• February 5, 2026

A person in a white dress shirt and tie speaks at an outdoor podium with two microphones, hands raised mid-gesture, as a large bridge spans the background and two others stand behind them, while a blue sign on the podium reads “Creating an AI-Ready Workforce.”

Commentary

Union leaders warn Newsom their campaign support hinges on his AI stance

Will Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's expected to run for president, seek to satisfy Silicon Valley and risk angering organized labor?

By

Dan Walters

• February 4, 2026

A close-up view of person wearing a blue suit as they look up.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s autobiography adds struggle to a story of a politically privileged past

Gavin Newsom follows previous Democratic presidential hopefuls by publishing a campaign book implying he didn't have everything handed to him.

By

Dan Walters

• February 3, 2026

The image shows a person in a suit and tie, standing behind a microphone. They have have short, dark hair with some gray and a beard. The background features a metallic surface with a window above their head, which appears to be partially open. The person is speaking.

Commentary

Matt Mahan’s campaign for California governor will be a voter litmus test

With San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat, entering the governor's race, the outcome will help reveal just how liberal California truly is.

By

Dan Walters

• January 30, 2026

A wide-view of lawmakers standing and talking to each other in the middle of a legislative floor filled with desks. A white chandeliers hangs above the room and the room is decorated with beige and green fixtures.

Commentary

California lawmakers can’t resist writing performative legislation

Many bills represent serious efforts to address real issues, but many are offered to please political constituencies, align with popular trends or repay political debts.

By

Dan Walters

• January 29, 2026

An older lawmaker sits at a wooden desk inside a legislative chamber, wearing a suit and patterned tie, looking to the side as other lawmakers work in the background.

Commentary

California budget volatility continues to complicate efforts to close its deficits

California's budgets have been susceptible to the ways wealthy taxpayers derive their income, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

By

Dan Walters

• January 28, 2026