california democrats

A person wearing a blue suit stands up while clapping as other people face him and clap.

Commentary

California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election

Democratic legislators this week acknowledged the need to bring down costs of living, days after Donald Trump's win the presidency largely on economic issues.

By

Dan Walters

• December 4, 2024

A person wearing a red 'Trump' hat and jersey holds a large flag that reads 'Trump 2024' with an image of Donald Trump over a U.S. flag backdrop. They face a line of cars, some with passengers who have their arms raised, as they drive along a coastal road bordered by rugged cliffs and tall palm trees, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Commentary

Democrats still dominate California, but their voters have drifted to the right

Decades ago, Republicans and Democrats were evenly matched in California until the latter became the dominant party in the late 1990s. Last week's election moved the state's ideological needle a little to the right.

By

Dan Walters

• November 13, 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

A person in denim jeans, a brown sleeveless shirt and a blue baseball cap speaks into a bullhorn while addressing a crowd. The event is politically related and for canvassing purposes.

Elections

Why California Democrats believe abortion issue can win them back the U.S. House

Democrats are calling out Republicans on abortion rights in key California districts that could decide control of Congress, again. GOP incumbents say their views are being misrepresented.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Jenna Peterson

• October 21, 2024

City Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, left, and Kevin de Leon sit behind desk in the council chambers in Los Angeles. A small, light blue and yellow Ukrainian flag sits between them.

Commentary

In California’s one-party system, political family feuds fill competitive vacuum

Now that Democrats are on top, it's evident that in the absence of two-party competition feuds erupt within the parties themselves.

By

Dan Walters

• September 20, 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

Solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 25, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California has enough debt. It doesn’t need $10 billion more for a climate bond

California voters will soon decide whether the state should authorize a $10 billion bond to help respond to climate change. The state's highest-ranking Republican legislator argues California can't afford the additional debt, especially for a questionable list of projects and programs.

By Brian Jones • September 10, 2024

A view of the Assembly floor as lawmakers chat and work at their desks.

Capitol

California Democrats strike back against local conservative rebellions on LGBTQ rights, abortion

Some California communities are resisting progressive policies from Sacramento. Democrats in the Legislature say they are going too far and are responding with bills to shut them down.

By

Alexei Koseff

• September 3, 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

Gov. Gavin Newsom, wearing a navy blue suit, reaches out his hand to an individual out of frame, with photographers and security guards behind him.

Elections

The future happens in California, Gavin Newsom says in praise of Kamala Harris. But what’s his?

California's governor casts the state’s votes for Harris in the ceremonial roll call and gives her a rousing endorsement.

By

Sameea Kamal

• August 20, 2024