California presidential primary

The skyline of San Francisco as seen from Bernal Heights Hill on March 16, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s once soaring population has hit a plateau. So will its national political clout

Stagnant foreign migration, fewer births and people moving to other states mean California loses congressional seats and electoral votes.

By

Dan Walters

• February 5, 2026

A person in a white dress shirt and tie speaks at an outdoor podium with two microphones, hands raised mid-gesture, as a large bridge spans the background and two others stand behind them, while a blue sign on the podium reads “Creating an AI-Ready Workforce.”

Commentary

Union leaders warn Newsom their campaign support hinges on his AI stance

Will Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's expected to run for president, seek to satisfy Silicon Valley and risk angering organized labor?

By

Dan Walters

• February 4, 2026

A close-up view of person wearing a blue suit as they look up.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s autobiography adds struggle to a story of a politically privileged past

Gavin Newsom follows previous Democratic presidential hopefuls by publishing a campaign book implying he didn't have everything handed to him.

By

Dan Walters

• February 3, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage, speaking into a microphone at a podium that reads “Take It Back,” with his arm extended in front of a giant American flag.

Commentary

California’s urgent issues loom over Newsom campaign and his would-be successors

Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State address may hint at how he'll balance his last year as governor with his presidential campaign image.

By

Dan Walters

• January 6, 2026

A person wearing a blue suit stands in front of two American flags while as they look straight off into the distance during a press conference.

Commentary

Some Newsom detractors make up stuff, though there’s fodder for legitimate criticism

As California's governor prepares for an expected run for the presidency, a chorus of right-wing criticism is growing. Some of it isn't true.

By

Dan Walters

• December 12, 2025

Commentary

Newsom plays climate warrior, compromiser and coy candidate

Gov. Gavin Newsom attracted national news coverage thanks to Proposition 50 before jetting to Brazil for a climate conference President Donald Trump avoided.

By

Dan Walters

• November 11, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage holding a microphone while he speaks in front of a giant American flag next to a “Yes on 50” sign to his right.

Commentary

Prop 50 is likely a stepping stone for Newsom’s nascent presidential campaign

Gov. Gavin Newsom told an NBC reporter he's not ready to talk about a presidential run, even though a Prop. 50 win could burnish his national image.

By

Dan Walters

• November 4, 2025

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris attends a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 20, 2024. Photo by Marco Bello, REUTERS

Commentary

Friends or enemies? Newsom and Harris could face off for president in 2028

Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris dropped hints about running for president, revealing complications in their relationship.

By

Dan Walters

• October 28, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom wave to the crowd during a campaign rally at the IBEW-NECA training center in San Leandro on Sept. 8, 2021. Newsom faces the recall election next week. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

Longtime frenemies Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom reach career crossroads

Harris and Newsom quickly climbed political ladders in California to ultimately pursue the presidency. At times they've supported or rivaled each other.

By

Dan Walters

• September 25, 2025

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.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom finally admits he’s contemplating a run for president

President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant drive is a political gift to Newsom, a springboard for him to fill a vacuum and claim leadership of the opposition to Trump.

By

Dan Walters

• June 17, 2025

California Presidential Primary