California Republicans

WhatMatters

Crime, homelessness emerge as California Democrats’ weak spots

A new poll finds that crime and homelessness are key issues for California voters and that Gov. Newsom's approval rating has dropped.

By Emily Hoeven • February 16, 2022

Politics

Will California redistricting mean better congressional maps than Texas?

California's independent redistricting commission is struggling to finish new congressional maps. While its deliberations are contentious, Texas is being sued over its maps, pushed through by the Republican legislature and governor.

By Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman • December 15, 2021

WhatMatters

Nunes resignation sparks massive political shakeup

It’s election season in California, and the resignations, announcements and endorsements are coming in fast and furious. The state’s political scene got a major shakeup on Monday, when Rep. Devin Nunes, a high-profile, powerful and controversial Republican who’s represented the San Joaquin Valley in Congress since 2003, announced that he plans to give up his […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 7, 2021

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

Why is Larry Elder focusing so much on reaching out to Latino and Asian voters?

The leading Republican candidate in the California recall election is trying to build a multi-ethnic coalition of voters — and overcome criticism for his views on race.

By Ben Christopher • September 7, 2021

Politics

What one thing do Republican recall candidates blame for California’s housing crisis?

Challengers in the Newsom recall election are making CEQA a villain. But experts say that the landmark environmental law is only one of many tools used to block housing.

By Manuela Tobias • September 6, 2021

Commentary

Democrats are unwitting architects of California’s structural racism

However unintentional, Democrats, who have controlled both houses of the Legislature for 56 of the past 62 years, have created policies that increase both the cost of living and the discriminatory effects on those who can least afford them.

By Guest Commentary • August 25, 2021

Commentary

4 needed reforms of California’s recall election rules

State legislators must change how our recall elections are managed to discourage misuse of a popular tool.

By Guest Commentary • July 26, 2021

WhatMatters

Legislature goes out with a budget bang

On its way out of town for summer recess, the Legislature passed a veritable caravan of budget “trailer bills” Thursday. But wait, you ask: Didn’t the governor sign a budget bill in mid-June? And didn’t he also sign another budget bill earlier this week?  Yes and yes. And if you’re confused it’s because California’s budget […]

By Ben Christopher • July 16, 2021

WhatMatters

Another challenger jumps into Newsom recall race

GOP Assemblymember Kevin Kiley became the latest challenger to officially throw his hat into the ring — and he boasts backing from a key recall organizer.

By Emily Hoeven • July 7, 2021