WhatMatters
As primary looms, California voting made simple
CalMatters has launched an election guide with everything you need to know about California voting for the June 7 primary.
Campaign Finance
Politics
Why is so much special interest money flowing into a California special election?
Big labor and big business are spending big bucks in a special election for a San Diego seat in the state Assembly. The campaign, now headed to a June 7 runoff, previews battles to come in the 2022 campaign.
Politics
Cop cash: California law enforcement gives big to campaigns
California law enforcement groups are making sizable donations to candidates for attorney general, treasurer and Legislature before the June 7 primary. The biggest recipient is Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who is trying to unseat Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Commentary
Bill would prohibit foreign influence in California elections
AB 1819 will protect California’s elections by prohibiting foreign-influenced corporations from contributing to candidates.
Politics
California politicians raising money for charity face new rules from ethics panel
The state Fair Political Practices Commission is focusing on more public disclosure to address a growing trend of charitable donations serving as a conduit for interest groups seeking to influence politicians. Government watchdogs say that isn't enough.
Politics
What’s at stake for Newsom’s biggest recall campaign donors
The recall election gave interest groups that lobby at the California Capitol an unusual opportunity to try to wield influence. They donated millions to help Newsom keep his job. Now he’s deciding the fate of their bills.
Politics
Recall money wars: What do Newsom’s million-dollar donors want?
A new CalMatters analysis shows which of the governor's big financial backers are coming to his rescue in his hour of need for the California recall election. They include the unions for teachers and prison guards.
Politics
Charity and politics: California elected officials would have to disclose their connections under proposed rule
After a year-long wait, the state's campaign finance watchdog has a proposal to require elected officials to provide more information on special interest donations to their nonprofits.
WhatMatters
Clock ticking for millions of Californians
Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, June 23. Deal or no deal? Hurry up, and wait. That’s all millions of Californians can do as Gov. Gavin Newsom and top Democratic lawmakers negotiate — largely behind closed doors — the terms of an extended eviction moratorium and the details of a whopping $267 billion budget. The impact […]
Politics
When is the Newsom recall election? Maybe sooner than you think
The date of California's recall election still is not set, but voters may decide the governor's fate closer to Labor Day than November.