Kevin McCarthy - CalMatters

Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, waits for the results of a twelfth ballot for the speakership on the fourth day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 06, 2023. Photo by Craig Hudson for Sipa USA, via Reuters

What Kern County and California can expect from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

by Guest Commentary January 9, 2023January 8, 2023

With Bakersfield Republican Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, voters in Kern County and across California can expect more theatrics and little relief for our most pressing issues.

A drone view of residents looking a tree that fell during a winter storm with high winds in Sacramento on Jan. 8, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves, Reuters

Deadly deluge: California flooding risk rises

by Sameea Kamal January 9, 2023January 9, 2023

California Governor, Gavin Newsom walks through the assembly chamber with California Controller Malia Cohen during the opening session of the California Legislature in Sacramento on Dec. 5, 2022. Photo by José Luis Villegas, AP Photo/Pool

Newsom to lead anti-Jan. 6 march to Capitol

by Emily Hoeven January 6, 2023January 6, 2023

State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Bakersfield Democrat, bows her head in prayer before session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Jan, 4, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Why 20 votes matter in California, Washington, D.C.

by Emily Hoeven January 5, 2023January 5, 2023

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center, is surrounded by members of the media as she heads back to her office after speaking on the House floor at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Nov. 17, 2022. Photo by Andrew Harnik, AP Photo

California braces for post-Pelosi future

by Emily Hoeven November 18, 2022November 18, 2022

Representative David Valadao speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Graeme Sloan, Sipa USA via Reuters

California may determine control of the House

by Emily Hoeven November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy speaks during the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on April 23, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Can California Republicans win statewide again?

by Sameea Kamal and Alexei Koseff April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

California Republican Party chair Jessica Patterson closes out the evening during the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on April 23, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

A do-or-die election for California GOP

by Emily Hoeven April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

California loses congressional seat for first time

by Ben Christopher April 26, 2021May 6, 2021

Masked children running along a school building. Some of the states biggest districts are making plans to offer free schooling options through the summer — in part to help kids catch up. Image via iStock

Summer school likely for thousands of kids: SF and San Diego make plans

by Emily Hoeven March 11, 2021March 11, 2021