California Democratic Party

A person wearing glasses, a gray suit, and a colorful bow tie sits at a desk in a meeting room. A nameplate reading "Mike A. Gipson" is positioned in front of them. The room features green chairs and microphones, with a plain beige wall in the background. Their expression appears attentive as they look off to the side.

Politics

California Democratic lawmaker exaggerated his record as a police officer

For years, Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson has repeated a story about being partners with a fallen police officer. Records and interviews find that Gipson exaggerated their relationship and overstated what he did during his brief time as a reserve officer in Maywood.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• March 27, 2025

A wide view of people standing int he middle of a room filled with desks. Chandliers hand from the ceiling as other people stand on the second floor balcony area.

Politics

Bipartisanship is rare in the California Legislature. Here are the bills breaking the divide

In these hyper-partisan times, less than 1% of the more than 2,000 bills California lawmakers filed this year have bipartisan coauthors. Here are some of the issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• March 10, 2025

A person dressed in a black suit, white button-up shirt and a black and green tie speaks into a microphone while holding a piece of paper. The heads of other people are visible at the bottom of the frame, as they listen. The setting is a legislative hearing.

Politics

California Senate leader calls union ‘morally bankrupt’ for opposing a vulnerable Democrat

In California, Democrats rarely criticize organized labor, one of their biggest and wealthiest allies, so it’s remarkable that Democrats have harsh words against a union for attacking a vulnerable Democratic senator in a close race.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• November 13, 2024

Elections

These California toss-ups helped decide which party controls Congress

Closely contested congressional races in California helped tip the balance and allowed Republicans to keep their majority in the U.S. House. With the presidency and the U.S. Senate, the GOP will have the trifecta in Washington, D.C., next year.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• November 5, 2024

A close-up view of a lawmaker wearing a black suit and red tie as he smiles and looks to this right.

Politics

California’s Yes Man: Meet the Democratic lawmaker who has never said ‘no’ to a bill

Assemblymember Mike Fong is the only California lawmaker who has never voted “no” on a piece of legislation.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• October 25, 2024

Dan Walters

Election will test power of Californians’ backlash against crime

Crime could be setting the Democratic Party on the path of an atmospheric shift, putting the brakes on the party’s leftward tilt.

By

Dan Walters

• October 25, 2024

An image of protesters holding pink and white signs that read "BANS OFF OUR BODIES" during a march in support of abortion rights. The photo is focused on the signs and the bottom of the frame is filled with people.

Elections

Abortion isn’t on the ballot in California, but state candidates can’t stop talking about it

Democrats in key legislative races say that abortion rights are under threat nationally so it’s a relevant issue. It could also be a winning issue.

By

Alexei Koseff

• October 15, 2024

A group of individuals is gathered near large, arched windows in a dimly lit hallway. The silhouettes of a few people stand against the bright backdrop of the windows, which frame a view of a cityscape and a bridge in the distance. The setting appears to be inside a government building, with elegant woodwork and soft lighting from wall-mounted lamps. The scene evokes a sense of quiet anticipation or reflection, with people standing in conversation or gazing out the windows.

Politics

California Legislature’s unwritten rule: negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

A tense exchange this summer between two California Democrats revealed an unwritten policy discouraging lawmakers from negotiating bills in legislative committees. It begs the question: Are lawmakers negotiating bills in secret and then rubber-stamping the decisions in public?

By

Ryan Sabalow

• September 18, 2024

A view of a giant screen broadcasting Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris while she speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Elections

Kamala Harris vows to unite America, as California Democrats look to flip the House

Kamala Harris accepts her party's nomination. Party leaders at the Democratic convention in Chicago send a clear message to California delegates: She needs a Democratic Congress to succeed if she’s elected president.

By

Sameea Kamal

• August 22, 2024

At right, a person in a keffiyeh chants as protesters hold signs in the background calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Politics

Some California Democrats want an arms embargo on Israel. How far will they push Kamala Harris?

The Gaza war has divided California Democrats for months. Now, some of them are pushing the national party at the Chicago convention to support an arms embargo on Israel.

By

Sameea Kamal

• August 20, 2024