California Legislature

Politics

How much will California redistricting shift political power?

California's citizens redistricting commission is designed to be nonpartisan, but party politics will be influenced by its final congressional and legislative maps. Most studies say Democrats will still have the upper hand.

By Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman • December 1, 2021

Politics

California redistricting: Which incumbents are in tough spots?

The state's redistricting commission isn't supposed to consider where current elected officials live. And the preliminary maps put some House members and state legislators into less politically friendly districts, or in the same district as another incumbent.

By Sameea Kamal • November 18, 2021

WhatMatters

How California lets abusers stay armed

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, November 17. Loopholes in state laws Today, a man named Julio Garay is due to appear in Madera County Superior Court, where he faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing his wife, Calley Jean Garay, a month after she requested a domestic violence […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 17, 2021

Homelessness

Will California’s plan for clearing homeless camps work?

Gov. Newsom says the situation with homeless encampments is unacceptable. The state housing agency is funding more services, while Caltrans is clearing some camps. But advocates are wary.

By Manuela Tobias • November 16, 2021

Commentary

California’s messier, but fairer, redistricting process

For the second time, an independent commission is drawing new congressional and legislative districts for California and it's been a messy process.

By Dan Walters • November 15, 2021

WhatMatters

Inside the Capitol’s latest political battle

Who will take the helm of the state auditor's office and evaluate Newsom's administration?

By Emily Hoeven • November 12, 2021

Politics

California’s state auditor: ‘Speak the truth to power’

Elaine Howle is stepping down at the end of 2021 after 21 years on the job. Her office has issued audits of a wide range of state agencies, including a series of highly critical reviews of California's pandemic response and spending. In an interview with CalMatters, she talks about her biggest accomplishments and stiffest challenges.

By Emily Hoeven • November 12, 2021

Politics

California redistricting: Four key questions

California's independent redistricting commission reaches a key milestone by releasing its preliminary congressional and legislative maps for public comment. But many changes are likely before final districts are adopted in late December for the 2022 election.

By Sameea Kamal • November 11, 2021

CalMatters en Español

Redistribución de distritos en California: Cuatro preguntas claves

En resumen La comisión de redistribución de distritos independiente de California alcanza un hito clave al publicar sus mapas preliminares del Congreso y la Legislación para comentarios públicos. Pero es probable que se produzcan muchos cambios antes de que se adopten los distritos finales a fines de diciembre para las elecciones de 2022. Read this […]

By Sameea Kamal • November 11, 2021

Politics

Where are the flashpoints in California redistricting?

Draft maps are raising concerns from advocates and partisans. The state's independent commission is responding in its line drawing as it released its official preliminary districts on Nov. 10 and now works toward final maps. But not everyone is satisfied.

By Sameea Kamal • November 10, 2021