California Democrats

The Problem Solvers Caucus, one of 16 non-party caucuses in the state Legislature, wants to put public policy before partisan politics, but that's a tall task. Other caucuses are bipartisan mostly in name only.

How concerned are Democrats in California and across the country about a Republican “red wave” cresting in the Nov. 8 election and clinching the GOP’s control of Congress? I’ll give you three hints: 1. Today, President Joe Biden is set to visit San Diego to campaign for Democratic Rep. Mike Levin, who’s facing a tough […]

On Thursday morning, Democratic lawmakers gathered at the western steps of the state Capitol to commemorate victims of gun violence and orate on the need for tougher gun laws — both in California and nationally.  Whatever fissures erupted into public view earlier this week in an Assembly leadership fight, almost all California Democrats seem to […]

After a weekend of lobbying, jockeying and speculating, then a flurry of parliamentary maneuvers and a six-hour closed-door caucus meeting on Tuesday, California Assembly Democrats finally came to a decision about who ought to serve as speaker. The answer: The current speaker, Anthony Rendon. The announcement came not with a bang but a whimper: At […]

California lawmakers and activists are pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom to spend more to help the state’s poorest residents.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California Democrats are counting on abortion rights to drive their voters to the polls. But some may still care more about crime, homelessness and inflation.

Gov. Gavin Newsom blasts Republicans, chides fellow Democrats and urges Americans to "wake up" on the threat to abortion rights.

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. “Build the wall” — a slogan associated with former President Donald Trump and his supporters — is now being repurposed by California Democrats, who say they want to build metaphorical walls via legislation protecting […]

A group of California lawmakers have another gas rebate plan amid budget negotiations with Newsom, but suspending the gas tax may be a no-go.

California's undocumented immigrants risked themselves working during pandemic. Lawmakers want to pay them unemployment benefits.