California Republicans

A row of black leather chairs with metal armrests lines the jury box inside a modern courtroom. The room features wood-paneled walls, a neutral-toned carpet, and a simple, clean design. An "EXIT" sign glows red above a closed door in the background. The setting is quiet and unoccupied, with an orderly arrangement of seats waiting for jurors.

Politics

Another California professional group wants a free pass from jury duty. This lawmaker says no

For years, various professional groups have tried unsuccessfully to get their members out of jury service. Probation officers are trying again this year.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• March 17, 2025

A wide view of people standing int he middle of a room filled with desks. Chandliers hand from the ceiling as other people stand on the second floor balcony area.

Politics

Bipartisanship is rare in the California Legislature. Here are the bills breaking the divide

In these hyper-partisan times, less than 1% of the more than 2,000 bills California lawmakers filed this year have bipartisan coauthors. Here are some of the issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• March 10, 2025

A person wearing a red 'Trump' hat and jersey holds a large flag that reads 'Trump 2024' with an image of Donald Trump over a U.S. flag backdrop. They face a line of cars, some with passengers who have their arms raised, as they drive along a coastal road bordered by rugged cliffs and tall palm trees, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Commentary

Democrats still dominate California, but their voters have drifted to the right

Decades ago, Republicans and Democrats were evenly matched in California until the latter became the dominant party in the late 1990s. Last week's election moved the state's ideological needle a little to the right.

By

Dan Walters

• November 13, 2024

A rearview of a person standing at a podium. They are framed by a door and inside the room cameras and press face the person. American flags are visible at the side, inside the room. The photo is from a ground-level perspective. Lights reflect off the polished ground. The setting is a press conference.

Elections

Most California Republicans in Congress won’t commit to certifying the 2024 presidential election

Only one-third of the California GOP congressional delegation has pledged to accept the 2024 presidential election results. And only two incumbents in office in 2021 voted to certify President Joe Biden’s win over Donald Trump in the 2020 race.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jenna Peterson

• October 24, 2024

City Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, left, and Kevin de Leon sit behind desk in the council chambers in Los Angeles. A small, light blue and yellow Ukrainian flag sits between them.

Commentary

In California’s one-party system, political family feuds fill competitive vacuum

Now that Democrats are on top, it's evident that in the absence of two-party competition feuds erupt within the parties themselves.

By

Dan Walters

• September 20, 2024

A group of individuals is gathered near large, arched windows in a dimly lit hallway. The silhouettes of a few people stand against the bright backdrop of the windows, which frame a view of a cityscape and a bridge in the distance. The setting appears to be inside a government building, with elegant woodwork and soft lighting from wall-mounted lamps. The scene evokes a sense of quiet anticipation or reflection, with people standing in conversation or gazing out the windows.

Politics

California Legislature’s unwritten rule: negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

A tense exchange this summer between two California Democrats revealed an unwritten policy discouraging lawmakers from negotiating bills in legislative committees. It begs the question: Are lawmakers negotiating bills in secret and then rubber-stamping the decisions in public?

By

Ryan Sabalow

• September 18, 2024

A security guard stands outside the heavily boarded Shreve & Co. jewelry store in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2021. Photo by Eric Risberg, AP Photo

Commentary

As Californians’ stance on crime hardens, Republicans try to regain relevance

Powerless Republican legislators have shown signs of life in California politics by focusing attention on crime as public attitudes change.

By

Dan Walters

• June 12, 2024

The San Bernardino mountains from Rialto on April 18, 2024. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Politics

Forget the first 220 failures to split California. This developer has a new plan to secede

The latest bid to break up California is the brainchild of a real estate developer in San Bernardino County. It taps into growing resistance to the state’s liberal governance by more conservative residents.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 3, 2024

Steve Garvey attends the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium on June 2, 2023.

Commentary

Republican Steve Garvey has a chance to play spoiler in California’s Senate race

The contest to succeed the late Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate had been a three-way duel among Democrats. However, a Republican, former baseball star Steve Garvey, could finish second in the March 5 primary.

By

Dan Walters

• January 9, 2024

Protesters gather during a press conference urging elected officials to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Politics

90 days in, California politicians keep trying to navigate the Israel-Hamas war

As the state Legislature reconvenes, the Israel-Hamas war and the Gaza humanitarian crisis remain on the agenda. Assembly Republicans introduce a resolution condemning Hamas, while Gov. Newsom has met with Palestinian groups.

By

Sameea Kamal

• January 3, 2024