California Republicans

A side view of a panel with nine speakers, including politicians and labor leaders, sit on stage during a “Unionize California” event, with one person standing and speaking into a microphone. A red, white, and blue light projection spells out "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" on the curtain behind them. The audience is seated at round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.

By

Dan Walters

• December 19, 2025

A red, white, and blue sign reading “No on 50: Defend Fair Elections” sits on a table beside jars filled with pistachios and a small display about California’s political priorities. The background shows blurred lights and a screen displaying a broadcast.

Politics

Republicans ask federal court to overturn California’s new Prop. 50 maps

Republicans and the Trump administration are hoping a panel of federal judges in Los Angeles will halt the new Prop. 50 maps from taking effect. But given the Supreme Court’s recent ruling greenlighting Texas’s redrawn maps, their odds are long.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• December 16, 2025

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

A person in an orange dress stands on stage speaking into a microphone and gesturing with one finger raised, while six other panelists sit in chairs behind them. A large projected message on the curtain reads “UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA” in red and white.

Commentary

Who’s running for California governor? It keeps changing

Historically gubernatorial candidates take two years to build their campaigns, but this time people are jumping in and out of contention much later in the race.

By

Dan Walters

• November 19, 2025

A wide-view from above of a legislative room filled with lawmakers sitting at their desks. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The room is decorated with beige walls, mint-color columns, gold fixtures and a lime green carpet.

Politics

California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget

California lawmakers faced a difficult budget year, but they still managed to put hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks in the state budget to benefit their districts — and help them get re-elected.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• November 7, 2025

Two people talk to each other near a wall with various political lawn signs, including a red "No on Prop. 50" sign, on it.

Politics

Increasingly irrelevant, California’s Republican Party is even more isolated after Prop. 50

In recent years, California Republicans wielded far more influence in Congress than in the state Legislature, thanks to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But since his ouster, and now under Prop. 50 maps, the GOP is increasingly isolated.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 7, 2025

Two people cross the street as they pass several small lawn signs indicating the location of a nearby vote center.

Politics

Proposition 50 passed in California. Here’s what you missed

California voters backed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw congressional districts in favor of Democrats. It was a big night for him in his rivalry with President Donald Trump.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Maya C. Miller

• November 5, 2025

A person in a suit speaks emphatically into microphones at a press conference inside the California State Capitol, with two other people standing behind them.

Politics

California GOP takes Newsom to court over redistricting, again. Will Trump sue next?

California Republicans are suing again to try and keep Gov. Newsom and Democrats’ redistricting plan off voters’ ballots. President Trump floated the idea of suing, too

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Alexei Koseff

• August 26, 2025

A person in a suit speaks emphatically at a podium surrounded by microphones, with others standing nearby. A large sign next to the podium reads, "Defend Fair Elections."

Politics

What about Texas? California Republicans pressed for answers in redistricting fight

Texas and President Donald Trump struck first in a gerrymandering battle that could tilt the 2026 midterms. That puts California Republicans in a bind as they contest Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Maya C. Miller

• August 21, 2025

A group of people waits in line inside a government building hallway, some talking while others stand quietly.

Politics

They came to Sacramento for a Christian rally. Then they heard about Newsom’s redistricting

Conservative opponents dominated the public comment at legislative hearings on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting plan, though most were at the Capitol for an unrelated rally.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 19, 2025