Gavin Newsom

Commentary

California’s urgent issues loom over Newsom campaign and his would-be successors

Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State address may hint at how he'll balance his last year as governor with his presidential campaign image.

By

Dan Walters

• January 6, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom leaves the stage after addressing attendees at his inauguration for a second term at the Plaza de California in Sacramento on Jan. 6, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s legacy: Can he deliver on unmet promises in his final year as governor?

Under Newsom’s tenure, health care has been expanded, but his housing goals and homelessness pledges remain unfinished. Can he deliver before eyeing the White House?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 5, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Politics

California’s budget outlook is grim. Here’s what you need to know

How did we get here? Where do we go from here? Spend one minute to catch up on everything you need to know about California’s budget health this year.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• December 31, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom sits at a table surrounded by three lawmakers behind him as he signs several documents.

Politics

Newsom’s 2025: Wildfire crisis, budget cuts and bombastic opposition to Trump

Gavin Newsom's year: LA fires, budget cuts, Trump battles and a Prop 50 win. What's next for California's governor in his final year?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• December 31, 2025

Small American flags are mounted on wooden desks inside a legislative chamber, viewed from behind as lawmakers sit facing forward. The shallow focus emphasizes the flags and carved desk details, while figures and additional flags blur into the background under warm indoor lighting.

Politics

Get up to speed fast on the new California laws that might change your life in 2026

New California laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026 expand coverage for in vitro fertilization, regulate artificial intelligence, protect renters and more.

By

CalMatters Staff

• December 30, 2025

A line up of electric vehicles at a Hyundai dealership in Fresno on Sept. 7, 2023.

Politics

New California laws rewrite car-buying rules with return policy and pricing reforms

California lawmakers let automakers opt out of recent changes to the state’s lemon law and approved a law giving used car buyers three days to return a used vehicle.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• December 26, 2025

Several people stand in front of a wall labeled “Resources,” browsing pamphlets about health and community services displayed in clear holders at a public information center.

Mental Health

Everything you need to know about how to use California’s new mental health court

Who is eligible for CARE Court? How do I file a petition? Can this program force someone into treatment? Read on to find out.

By

Marisa Kendall

• December 18, 2025

Silhouette of a person standing at a railing looking out into a bay with boats and the skyline of buildings in the background. The run is shining down, reflecting in the bay and creating shadows on the person and ships around the frame.

Homelessness

Why Newsom’s CARE Court has struggled to help homeless Californians most in need

CARE Court was supposed to be a new way to help homeless Californians in the grip of psychosis. But people are still falling through the cracks.

By

Marisa Kendall

• December 18, 2025

A collage-style illustration in blue and orange tones with individual photos of six people. The illustration includes textures, text, dotted lines and scribbles as added details.

Mental Health

How does Newsom’s new mental health court work? Here’s what real people involved say

Gov. Gavin Newsom's CARE Court changed the way California treats people with severe mental illness. We spoke with dozens of participants to learn how it's working.

By

Marisa Kendall

and

Jocelyn Wiener

• December 18, 2025

Commentary

Newsom’s $18 billion budget gap has roots in pandemic aid ending

During the pandemic, federal money flooded into state and local coffers. Once that funding ended, government spending didn't adjust downward.

By

Dan Walters

• December 18, 2025