California Governor

WhatMatters

Newsom: California on “the edge of a cliff” — more executive orders likely

With a series of temporary protections that helped Californians get through the first few months of the pandemic set to expire soon, Gov. Gavin Newsom hinted he will today extend some programs in another flex of executive power. Additional federal unemployment benefits of $600 per week end July 31, foreshadowing a wave of evictions and […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 24, 2020

WhatMatters

Middle class to bear brunt of budget cuts

The UC and and CSU systems will take a $602 million hit under California budget cuts, potentially leading to a tuition hike for some families.

By Emily Hoeven • June 24, 2020

Environment

New state park? Climate catalyst fund? On hold in Newsom’s coronavirus-afflicted budget

State officials said that California isn’t backing away from prioritizing environmental protections, but that the harsh realities of the economic meltdown require difficult compromises.

By Julie Cart, Rachel Becker and Rebecca Sohn • May 14, 2020

Coronavirus

Frustrated Newsom calls on task force to fix coronavirus testing shortfall

California Gov. Gavin Newsom takes ownership for California's backlog of tests for the novel coronavirus — and announces new plans to fix it. The effort will include five to seven testing "hubs" throughout the state in partnership with UC San Diego and UC Davis.

By Rachel Becker • April 4, 2020

Politics

Gov. Gavin Newsom just slow-walked California into a mass retreat from a virus. How?

By the time Newsom issued Thursday's mandatory order to shelter in place, it was clear that, for a week, this was where things had been inexorably heading. 

By Laurel Rosenhall • March 20, 2020

WhatMatters

California schools likely closed through summer

Newsom doubts schools will reopen before summer, leaves eviction bans up to local governments. Online learning is put to the test at colleges.

By Emily Hoeven • March 18, 2020

Capitol

Newsom’s ‘State of the State’ 2020, annotated

State of the State Address Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by California Governor Gavin Newsom February 19, 2020 Thank you, Madame Lieutenant Governor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for welcoming Jen and me to your house. Madame Pro Tem, Members of this Legislature, fellow Californians. Thank you once again for the privilege of this podium. Traditionally, […]

By CalMatters Staff • February 19, 2020

Newsletters

New vaccine bill, a special home loan and Election 2026

A new battle looms in the vaccination wars, three women test the waters for 2026 governor's race, voters may get to decide on reviving the state estate tax

By Dan Morain • March 27, 2019

Politics

Governor Dad: How Gavin Newsom’s kids are about to shape California

It’s been a while since California had a governor who is also a dad, and Gavin Newsom has made clear that his new job will be informed by his role at home.

By Laurel Rosenhall • January 7, 2019

Politics

Opening remarks: Gov. Gavin Newsom takes the reins of state government

Gavin Newsom was inaugurated on the western steps of the capitol building this morning, closing out the Brown era of California politics and pointing towards a new, more assertively progressive politics out of Sacramento. This is what he said.

By Ben Christopher • January 7, 2019