Donald Trump

Elections

‘Mess’ and ‘destruction’: Fact-checking Trump’s attacks on California and Kamala Harris

Donald Trump didn’t attack California or Kamala Harris’s home-state record during their presidential debate. He didn’t miss his chance on a fundraising visit, blasting the state on crime, homelessness and more.

By Yue Stella Yu • September 13, 2024

Photo collage of Donald Trump looking down and signing a document; the background shows a pixelated ultrasound placed in front of a duotone image of the CDC building

Politics

Project 2025 to California: Report abortion data or lose billions in Medicaid

If the next Republican president implements Project 2025, California will face an ultimatum: report sensitive abortion data to the CDC or jeopardize Medicaid funding.

By Monique O. Madan • September 11, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom, wearing a navy blue suit, reaches out his hand to an individual out of frame, with photographers and security guards behind him.

Elections

The future happens in California, Gavin Newsom says in praise of Kamala Harris. But what’s his?

California's governor casts the state’s votes for Harris in the ceremonial roll call and gives her a rousing endorsement.

By Sameea Kamal • August 20, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wave their hands surrounded by a crowd of supporters waving placards in support of their presidential bid.

Elections

Republicans target Kamala Harris’ ‘California-ness.’ Do swing-state voters care?

The vice president must defend her California roots and record against attacks by the Trump campaign. Voters and politicians in the swing states of Michigan and Arizona say that may not be the deciding factor.

By Yue Stella Yu • August 9, 2024

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stands at a podium, in front of a row of American flags during her first campaign event as a candidate for president.

Elections

Deep-blue California is a piggy bank for Kamala Harris — and Donald Trump. How they’re trying to cash in

Kamala Harris is bringing back Democratic donors who soured on President Biden. Donald Trump is counting on V.P. pick JD Vance to raise money in Silicon Valley.

By Yue Stella Yu • July 26, 2024

From left, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Steve Garvey, and U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff. Photos by NewsNation and Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Elections

Steve Garvey outraises Adam Schiff — but still has less in bank — in U.S. Senate bid

The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.

By Yue Stella Yu • July 16, 2024

Politics

The Supreme Court took powers away from federal regulators. Do California rules offer a backstop?

In three rulings the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a body blow to the federal bureaucracy. From healthcare to climate to workers’ rights, California’s rules often go farther.

By Ben Christopher • July 10, 2024

Democrat presidential candidate U.S. President Joe Biden listens as Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during their debate in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. Photo by Brian Snyder via Reuters

Commentary

248 years after America’s independence, is Biden vs. Trump the best we can do?

The battle between two very flawed presidential candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, symbolizes the nation's polarized and dysfunctional politics.

By Dan Walters • July 4, 2024

Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of supporters during the California GOP Fall 2023 Convention at Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim on Sept. 29, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Politics

Trump to California Republicans: ‘No way we lose this state in a real election’

The former president railed against Democrats and again claimed the 2020 election was rigged in his speech to the California Republican Party. With him skipping the primary debates, the party convention may get the next best thing, with speeches also by Sen. Tim Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

By Sameea Kamal • September 29, 2023

The California Republican Party Convention in Sacramento on March 11, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

Why California Republicans are facing a moment of truth

GOP leaders and activists will hear Friday from Donald Trump and other presidential candidates before deciding whether to change the party platform on abortion and same-sex marriage.

By Sameea Kamal • September 28, 2023