California Governor

A person stands on a stage, waving to a large crowd at a political rally. They are dressed in a tan suit and positioned behind a podium with a blue sign that reads “HARRIS.” The audience in the background holds signs and cheers, creating a high-energy atmosphere.

Politics

Kamala Harris will not run for California governor in 2026

Ending feverish speculation that began after her loss in November’s presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris said she would not run for California governor.

By

Alexei Koseff

• July 30, 2025

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

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Harris ponders run for California governor, is she prepared for the daunting job?

California's future governor will have to deal with its housing shortage, homelessness, poverty, uncertain water supply, educational deficiencies and budget deficits.

By

Dan Walters

• April 25, 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

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

A speaker stands at a podium labeled "CADEM California Democratic Party," delivering a speech with a hand gesture. The background features dark blue curtains and a California state flag. In the foreground, an audience member holds up a phone to capture the moment. The lighting highlights the speaker against the dimly lit backdrop.

Politics

Katie Porter enters race for California governor promising to stand up to Donald Trump

Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter is the latest politician joining the competitive 2026 race for California governor. All eyes are on former Vice President Kamala Harris.

By

Alexei Koseff

• March 11, 2025

A person with light-colored hair, wearing a red sweater and a plaid face mask, sits on a couch surrounded by stacks of cardboard boxes. They hold up a printed document with a serious expression, scanning its contents. A folder labeled 'COVID' rests on their lap, and blinds cover the window behind them.

Commentary

California’s aging population will test whether its demography is destiny

By 2040, more than one in five Californians will be 65 or older, while the working age population stays the same and the child population shrinks. Are we ready for that?

By

Dan Walters

• February 14, 2025

A person with salt and pepper hair and wearing a black suit with a white shirt speaks during a press conference.

Commentary

Three years later, surplus spending casts a shadow over Newsom’s new state budget

A mistaken belief in a $97 billion phantom surplus three years ago complicates today's budget proposal, along with such future unknowns as wildfire costs and possible cuts in federal support.

By

Dan Walters

• January 10, 2025

A city skyline is visible in the background, while green foliage is visible in the foreground. The view is of downtown San Francisco.

Commentary

California’s battle over taxing multinational corporations heats up again

Companies' and state tax officials' war over how multinational corporations should be taxed just got new ammo: two new lawsuits and a critical report.

By

Dan Walters

• January 9, 2025