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In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats
California's treasurer manages bonds, pensions, and billions in cash. These are the six people vying for the job in 2026.
California Republicans who flipped seats in 2024 are fighting to keep them
California Republicans made gains in the state Legislature two years. Now Democrats are trying to tie them to Trump's unpopularity in 2026
Legislature's adviser tries budget tough love to get California politicians to close huge deficits
Legislative Analyst Gabe Petek says state spending grew by $100 billion or so a year since 2019, outstripping revenues and resulting in current and future deficits.
Who’s running for Congress in California? These races could determine the majority
Ballots are in the mail for California’s primary election. These are the congressional races CalMatters is watching closely — and the candidates fighting for their political lives.
Should a California union dictate how clinics spend money? Employers sue to block ballot measure
California health clinics are suing to stop a union ballot measure that would dictate how they spend money — and they say it could force hundreds of clinics to close.
Supreme Court ruling on voting won't change California districts, but could hurt Democrats
The U.S. Supreme Court has narrowed the Voting Rights Act over the past decade. The law in California was primarily used to help Latinos gain political representation.
How tariffs and war are hurting California small businesses
Small California businesses — facing tariffs and rising fuel and shipping prices from war — wonder how long they can survive.
California's race for secretary of state shows partisan divide over how to count ballots
Shirley Weber says accuracy matters more than speed. Her GOP challenger says the delays undermine trust. It could take a month to certify June's results.
Candidates target Steyer, Becerra in free-wheeling California governor debate
Six Democrats and two Republicans attacked each other but struggled to offer clear alternatives in a chaotic debate that left one student voter "more confused than ever."
Can LA Mayor Karen Bass survive her mistakes and climb the political ladder?
If her stumbles during and after the wildfires stop Mayor Karen Bass at one term, she'd be joining other LA mayors who went no further than City Hall.
Community as cure: Mental health help for homeless Black people is losing funds
Typical mental health efforts missed many Black Californians who are homeless, but some organizations made progress until Trump’s recent funding cuts.
Plans to fix gaps in Newsom’s mental health court reopen divisions over involuntary care
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court struggles to serve Californians in acute mental health crises. Two bills are moving forward to change that.
Voter ID initiative qualifies for California's November election
California makes it easy to vote, with mail-in ballots and registration at the DMV. An upcoming ballot measure would add new voter ID requirements compelling people to prove their citizenship before they cast a ballot.
Billionaire blitz: Steyer's $132 million campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race
Steyer has spent $132 million of his own money on his California campaign, but he remains in a tight race with less-funded Democrats and Republicans.
California election officials face false choice: count votes quickly or count them right
California is famous for its slow ballot counting. That’s because of the state’s security fixtures and efforts to ensure every vote is counted. Experts don’t agree on a fix.
CARE Court should refocus on mentally ill homeless people, the hardest to help
California's mental health initiatives sometimes bypass individuals with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, often the most expensive to treat.
Lagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race
Yee's departure from the race for governor leaves six leading Democrats in the running with two leading Republicans.
Voting rights are health rights. That's why California must reject the SAVE Act
People of color, naturalized citizens, and low-income voters are less likely to have birth certificates, passports, or other ID that the SAVE Act would require.
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help
Even with Rep. Eric Swalwell’s downfall, California Democrats face a glut of gubernatorial options. Party heavyweights won’t save the day.
Woman alleges violent sexual assault by Eric Swalwell: 'He raped me’
A day after Rep. Eric Swallwell said he would resign from Congress, a Beverly Hills woman detailed what she described as a violent sexual encounter with the Democratic lawmaker.
Trump wanted California Republicans to back Steve Hilton. They didn’t listen
Republicans at their state party convention couldn’t coalesce around one of their two candidates for governor, ending in no endorsement
Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends campaign for California governor after sex assault allegations
Rep. Eric Swalwell faced intense pressure to drop his bid for California governor after reporting Friday that prompted many supporters to drop their support for him
California Republicans caught between Trump loyalty and winning swing districts
California Republicans embrace Trump at their convention while candidates in competitive races keep him at arm's length to win over voters.
Candidates for California governor call on Swalwell to drop out after allegations of sexual assault
The Democratic congressmember came under pressure after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a former staffer alleged the congressmember sexually assaulted her.
Trump's divisive role in California politics is on display as GOP prepares election endorsements
Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton for governor over Chad Bianco has upended the California GOP's strategy, forcing the party to refocus on other races.
Bitter medicine: How California’s hospital bills end up depressing your take-home pay
Hospitals are suing a state agency that limits their cost increases. Their bills inflate health insurance premiums, leaving employers with less money for wages.
California’s crisis in rural health care is also a chance for transparency
Drug discounts aimed at rural hospitals serving uninsured or low-income patients actually profit hospitals that don’t serve those patients.
Battles over business regulation resume in California's Capitol with new legislation
Lawmakers discussed bills that allow lawsuits against business monopolies and businesses that affect climate change.
Democrats are eager to flip Issa’s seat. But his Republican successor is a ‘formidable opponent’
Leading Democrats are throwing personal jabs to distinguish themselves in a crowded primary for the competitive district that could tilt who controls Congress.
Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy
California's top-two primary creates a paradox: The only way Republicans win governor is if both advance to November. But neither is playing nice.
‘Give me another solution.’ Counties resist mental health centers, betraying patients and families
Here's what happened when one county halted development of a mental health center?
Big Tech joins Big Oil as big CA politics spenders
Tech companies spent $39 million to influence California politics last year, making 2025 a blockbuster year of spending for Meta, Google and others.
Big change for California small businesses: No more SBA loans for non-citizens
Non-U.S. citizens lose access to SBA funding for small businesses, which provide the bulk of new jobs in California.
Ruby Ridge Book Explores Roots of American Conspiracy Politics at Vroman’s Tonight
Author Chris Jennings will discuss his critically acclaimed book “End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America” at Vroman’s Bookstore on Monday, March 30, in a 7 p.m. conversation with journalist and author Jim Newton, a Pasadena resident. The book, published in February by Little, Brown and Company, examines the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff — in which federal agents surveilled a cabin in Boundary County, Idaho, as part of an operation to arrest white separatist Randy Weaver — and traces a line from that 11-day siege to the conspiratorial politics that now mark American public life. By the time Weaver surrendered, his wife, his son, and a U.S. Marshal were dead. Jennings, a former editorial staffer at The New Yorker and the author of “Paradise Now: The Story of American Utopianism,” argues that the strain of apocalyptic Christianity that gripped the Weaver family can be traced to biblical prophecy readings dating to the 1870s and through the rise of 20th-century fundamentalism, according to the publisher’s description. The events at Ruby Ridge, Jennings contends, acted as an accelerant for this worldview. The New York Times Book Review called the book a thoroughly researched chronicle written with precision, according to a review published in February. Kirkus Reviews described it as a vivid reconstruction of a pivotal moment in the history of right-wing extremism. Newton, who will lead the conversation, spent 25 years at the Los Angeles Times as a reporter, editor, bureau chief, and columnist, including a stint as editor of the editorial pages from 2007 through 2010. He is the author of four books, including biographies of Chief Justice Earl Warren and Gov. Jerry Brown. Newton teaches at UCLA, where he founded Blueprint magazine, and is a columnist for CalMatters. He received the American Political Science Association’s
Tech giants are spending more than ever to shape California politics. See how much
Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence lawmakers and policy. It's the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.
Judge rejects Green Party candidate’s bid to appear on California governor ballots
California Green Party candidate Butch Ware failed to submit correct tax returns in time to appear on the June ballot for governor, a judge ruled Thursday.
Patients are often left ‘out of network’ as hospitals, insurers clash over cost
Insurance companies want hospitals to agree to reimbursements that don’t keep pace with rising costs. Hospitals often can’t afford that.
Labor unions' influence in LA mayor's race is harder to predict this year
As Mayor Karen Bass vies to keep her seat, she has a liberal opponent and a more complicated relationship with some labor leaders.
California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past
Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by his life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault by Cesar Chávez.
10 projects from Newsom’s mental health bond were supposed to open in 2025. That didn’t happen
CalMatters reports that California’s $6.4 billion mental health bond has not opened any of its first projects, even as Gov. Gavin Newsom says it is beating its goals. The state has missed its target...
10 projects from Newsom's mental health bond were supposed to open in 2025. That didn't happen
Projects supposed to offer mental health and substance use care to foster youth, new mothers, unhoused people and others have been delayed or cancelled.
San Diego County sues ICE after it blocked health inspection at detention center
San Diego County is suing the Trump administration, alleging it illegally blocked officials from inspecting ICE detention centers.There have been ‘alarming reports’ about unsafe conditions inside the centers.
California cut health care for undocumented immigrants. One lawmaker wants it back
Democrats and Republicans criticize Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handling of health care for undocumented immigrants for different reasons. One lawmaker is trying to restore health care services he cut.
It was John Wayne’s political club. Now it’s spending millions on online influence
A foundation linked to the Lincoln Club started local news sites critics find dubious. How John Wayne's old group became major influencers.
Trump’s Medicaid work mandate could kick thousands of homeless Californians off coverage
A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.
Republicans blame Carl DeMaio for party division as his group rakes in millions
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio riles fellow GOP members while his Reform California political group works to become the key power broker for California’s Republican Party.
For California Democrats, single-payer health care is back. Voters have heard it before
Candidates for governor are promising universal public health care, which might sound familiar to California voters who've heard it before.
California businesses and left-leaning groups clash on the ballot and in court
This year's contests of businesses versus liberal groups include corporate and wealth tax proposals and requirements for greenhouse gas emission reports.
CalMatters named a finalist in Toner Prize for Excellence in Local Political Reporting
The Toner Prizes, awarded by the Newhouse School, recognize the best political reporting and are named after Robin Toner ’76, the first woman to hold the position of national political correspondent for The New York Times.
Calmatters: Californians Are Staying Insured But Settling For Health Coverage They May Not Use
CalMatters
Newsom threatens California counties for failing to use his new mental health court
Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened to pull funding from counties that aren’t taking advantage of a new program intended to help people with severe mental illness.
Measles is back in California. Health departments are fighting it with less.
California is battling measles outbreaks across seven counties as federal funding cuts gut local health departments and vaccine skepticism fuels spread among unvaccinated children.
California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study bill. Rural groups say they need it
As more electric vehicles hit the road, California could collect billions less from gas tax revenue to repair them. But even a bill to study options could be a huge political lift for Democrats.
Californians are staying insured — but settling for health coverage they may not use
Covered California enrollment fell 2.7% following the end of enhanced federal premium assistance. That’s better than expected, but many people are making concessions to afford staying insured.
California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback
California Democrats endorsed aging incumbents and party insiders over grassroots challengers, disappointing progressives.
A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.
How an aging California is turning to senior centers for romance, community and health
No two senior centers are alike. We visited three very different venues in L.A. to learn how they're changing to meet the needs of California's aging population.
CA sues Trump over public health funds
The Trump administration has ordered the CDC to rescind public health funds from California. Now the state is suing to block the clawback.
California sues as Trump cuts $600M in public health grants to four states
California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota argue the cuts are politically motivated and would harm HIV programs, emergency preparedness and more.
Mental health advocate for California tribes dies in murder-suicide
Celinda Gonzales of the Yurok Tribe worked to prevent suicides among Native Americans after experiencing loss in her family. She "was a friend to many”.
Hospitals’ opaque pricing is crushing California’s small businesses
Hospitals often charge California’s small businesses more than Medicare for the same treatments and tack on hidden “facilities fees.”
Los Angeles voters are moving ever leftward, shifting election politics in America’s second-largest city
By Jim Newton, CalMatters This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. How liberal is Los Angeles? That question is very much on the minds of political insiders and observers these days as the city turns to its municipal elections and makes important decisions about its
Los Angeles voters are moving ever leftward, shifting election politics in America’s second-largest city
Among the signs: LA’s Democratic Socialists are flexing new muscle, police limits and mansion taxes are popular, and ICE raids are galvanizing voters.
Listen: What happens when mentally ill Californians refuse to be treated?
One of Gov. Newsom's signature mental health programs was meant to bring treatment to people who refused it. So far, it's helping fewer Californians than many hoped.
Parents of trans kids ask: Does California really protect our rights?
AG Bonta's lawsuit against Rady Children's relies on a merger contract, not civil rights law—leaving trans families wondering what protections work
CalMatters’ “visionary” co-founder, Dave Lesher, retires
Co-founder Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent
CA groups seek local taxes to offset federal health care cuts
An L.A. health care coalition is trying to qualify a measure for the June ballot in order to head off impending health care funding problems.
Coalition seeks LA County sales tax vote to offset federal healthcare funding cuts
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider whether to place a half-cent sales tax measure in front of voters. Revenues would be used to create a coverage program for people who lose their Medi-Cal.
Trump's response to Pretti killing upends Second Amendment politics : Here & Now Anytime
Alex Pretti was legally carrying a gun when a federal agent shot and killed him in Minneapolis last weekend. President Trump and other federal officials blamed his death on the fact that he had a gun, but Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus chair Bryan Strawser explains why he disagrees.And, after leading immigration operations in Minneapolis, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has returned to his previous job in California. CalMatters investigative reporter Sergio Olmos talks about Bovino’s record in California.
California mental health hospitals warn over cuts after state hands down staffing rules
Psychiatric hospitals could close beds under proposed state rules if regulators don’t allow implementation time, facilities warn.
Feds drop effort to get trans patients' records from LA children's hospital
After families sued, the Justice Department agreed to withdraw its subpoena for personal and medical information of transgender patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Advocates called it a "fishing expedition" without evidence of wrongdoing.
Lobbyists and lawmakers mingle over luxury tequila, shrimp and cigars at capital party
Cigars, bourbon, free food and drinks. Welcome to the glitzy annual “back to session bash,” where special interests wine and dine lawmakers.
California families face life-or-death health care cuts. Billionaires can afford to pitch in
Medi-Cal faces a $30 million gutting, so unions and advocates want to put a wealth tax targeting billionaires on the ballot.
How Altadena businesses are trying to recover from the Eaton Fire
A year after the deadly Eaton Fire, Altadena business owners aim to return while also dealing with rebuilding their homes.
The Doug LaMalfa I covered: Authentic, cranky and deeply caring
A longtime North State reporter reflects on the life of Doug LaMalfa, a politician unlike any other.
Newsom's 2025: Wildfire crisis, budget cuts and bombastic opposition to Trump
Gavin Newsom's year included the aftermath of the LA fires, budget cuts, Trump battles and a Prop 50 win. What's next for California's governor in his final year?
What’s next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in • The Mendocino Voice
‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care
New California law expands Newsom’s mental health court
A new law taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026 expands CARE Court, a mental health program launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to include people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Federal cuts and reversals upend California health care in 2025
California health care faced major cuts in 2025 as federal Medicaid funding dropped and ACA subsidies stalled, threatening millions.
She goes to police calls in a Prius. It’s part of a new approach to mental health emergencies
Briana Fair, a mental health clinician with the San Mateo Police Department, received a dozen voicemails from the same distressed caller over a single weekend this month.
Protecting California’s public lands from oil and gas drilling is defending public health
Federal plans for oil drilling along a million acres in California would change healthful, wild spaces into sources of pollution and illness.
She goes to police calls in a Prius. It's part of new approach to mental health emergencies
San Mateo adopted a new approach to mental health 911 calls by pairing police with mental health clinicians. Researchers found that it reduced the number of future mental health emergency calls and involuntary psychiatric holds by roughly 17%.
Daily Business Report: Friday, December 19, 2025, San Diego Metro Magazine
How CARE Court lost its teeth in the California Legislature By Yue Stella Yu and Erica Yee | CalMatters Three years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a
California's solution for senior health care hides in plain sight
PACE lets seniors stay out of nursing homes and still receive a variety of health and home services. Too few people know about it.
'False hope': Why families who celebrated California's new mental health court feel let down by it
Ronda Deplazes thought Gov. Newsom's CARE Court could save her son as he struggled with mental illness. Almost three years later, she and other families say little has changed for them.
CA hires former CDC officials to lead new public health org
Two high-profile former CDC officials have been hired to helm the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, a new organization about which little is known.
KRCB 2-WAY: CalMatters politics reporter on Mike McGuire's congressional run
Northern California Public Media
Rob Reiner was more than a Hollywood legend. He helped shape California politics
The slain actor and director’s impact on California is felt far beyond Hollywood. Here’s how he helped shaped politics
Prison health workers are among the best-paid public employees. Why are so many jobs vacant?
California spent hundreds of millions on high-paying prison and hospital healthcare jobs, auditors found -- but vacancy rates rose since 2019, exceeding 30% at three facilities despite bonuses and pay raises.
Who's running for California governor? Here’s a look at the current field of candidates
After recent shakeups, 10 candidates remain in the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom next year, including Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter.
After ICE arrests come health scares for the detained
Families of detained immigrants describe what many studies have found: ICE centers are ill-equipped to care for people with chronic illness, causing more suffering and death
CA migrant workers delay medical care during Trump’s immigration crackdown
Fewer immigrant farmworkers in California are showing up at pop-up medical clinics since Trump’s immigration crackdown.