California Republicans

A person in a suit gestures toward a large poster of California’s district map labeled “Rigged Map” in red text, during a press conference inside a government building with ornate arches and a domed ceiling. Several people and news microphones are visible around them.

Politics

Republicans sue to block Newsom’s gerrymandering, point to legislative gamesmanship

California Democrats used a common legislative tactic called "gut and amend" to rush legislation for a special election on new election maps. Republicans say that violates the state constitution.

By

Maya C. Miller

• August 19, 2025

This image captures a close-up moment of the rally. The speaker at the podium is gesturing emphatically with arms outstretched, underscoring the intensity of the speech. The podium sign reads “Election Rigging Response Act,” and the California state flag is prominently displayed behind, reinforcing the political context. Supporters in the background hold signs with slogans such as “Defend Democracy.” The photo conveys a sense of urgency, leadership, and collective mobilization around protecting election integrity.

Politics

5 things to know about Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw California’s election maps

California has an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in Congress. Gov. Newsom’s plan could give his party five more seats and offset a Texas gerrymander.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 18, 2025

A person, wearing a beige blazer, a plaid red shirt and standing in front of a huge American flag , side-eyes a crowd of people as they hold up green and red pieces of paper during a town hall meeting.

Politics

Northern California Republican heckled at packed town hall over Trump and Medi-Cal

At his first in-person town hall since Trump’s megabill became law, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa largely defended his vote for the legislation while fielding expletive-laden questions from a hostile crowd.

By

Maya C. Miller

• August 11, 2025

A person wearing a dark suit and red tie stands in front of a background filled with American flags. The individual is pointing forward with a determined expression, emphasizing a stance of confidence and focus amidst the patriotic setting.

Commentary

Presidential election reveals big shift in California voting patterns. Will it last?

Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2025

our U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, wearing jackets labeled "POLICE" and "ERO" (Enforcement and Removal Operations), escort a handcuffed individual down a narrow hallway in what appears to be an office or apartment building. One officer carries a red folder as they proceed under fluorescent lighting.

California Divide

ICE targets men on Inland Empire church grounds

Church officials complained after several men on the grounds of two Inland Empire Catholic churches were detained by immigration enforcement officers.

By

Deborah Brennan

• July 2, 2025

U.S. military personnel in uniform and riot gear stand in a line holding shields in front of a building entrance as a protest unfolds. In the foreground, demonstrators wave American and Mexican flags and hold signs with messages like "NO ONE IS ILLEGAL," "NOT HERE FOR FASCISM," and "NO TRUMP."

Politics

California Republicans hate government ‘overreach.’ Most are quiet on Trump’s military in LA

California Republicans who agreed to speak with CalMatters endorse President Donald Trump’s military deployment in Los Angeles as necessary to save the state from its Democratic leadership.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• June 18, 2025

A photo of a man in a blue suit walking through a doorway into a hallway inside the U.S. Capitol building. The man is walking by a door with a window that shows his face reflected in the glass.

Politics

Eight candidates take run at longtime lawmaker in Inland Empire’s swing district

Rep. Ken Calvert has represented the 41st Congressional District more than 30 years, but redistricting has made his seat competitive. Seven Democrats and a Republican are challenging him.

By

Deborah Brennan

• May 28, 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

Lawmakers sit in read chairs on a long and elevated desk in a hearing room at the state capitol. A seal of the Senate of the State of California rest on the wall behind them.

Politics

California lawmakers quietly sideline bills in secretive suspense process

More than 100 California bills moved to the “suspense file” last week, the start of a process where consequential decisions are made out of public view.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• April 14, 2025

A side view of four people standing in front posters and a dais during a press conference. The person in the center has white hair and wears glasses and a bright blue suit.

Commentary

How a few Southern California politicians use public safety rhetoric to attack state’s sanctuary law

Elected leaders in San Diego County and other parts of Southern California uniformly use public safety rhetoric to attack the state's sanctuary law protecting immigrants from overzealous federal enforcement.

By

Pedro Rios

• April 7, 2025