Digital Democracy

A person driving a car extends their hand out the window to insert their ballot envelope into a drop box being held by an election worker. The back of another election worker can be seen nearby.

Politics

California’s Republican caucus is growing and more diverse, but it’s a long way from power

While Democrats retain a supermajority, experts say Republican wins – and an increasingly diverse GOP Caucus – signal potential shifts in voter sentiment among non white voters

By Ryan Sabalow • November 27, 2024

A person wearing glasses and dressed in a blue suit stands with his hands crossed in front of a row of American flags in a decorated office.

Politics

A California Republican won a seat he didn’t want. Now taxpayers are paying for a new election

Kern and Tulare county taxpayers are on the hook for a special election after Republican Vince Fong won his Congressional seat along with an Assembly seat he no longer wanted.

By Ryan Sabalow • November 19, 2024

A person dressed in a black suit, white button-up shirt and a black and green tie speaks into a microphone while holding a piece of paper. The heads of other people are visible at the bottom of the frame, as they listen. The setting is a legislative hearing.

Politics

California Senate leader calls union ‘morally bankrupt’ for opposing a vulnerable Democrat

In California, Democrats rarely criticize organized labor, one of their biggest and wealthiest allies, so it’s remarkable that Democrats have harsh words against a union for attacking a vulnerable Democratic senator in a close race.

By Ryan Sabalow • November 13, 2024

An empty legislative chamber featuring rows of dark wooden desks and green leather chairs arranged neatly on an ornate green carpet. Two large boards with illuminated text hang on either side of the speaker's podium at the front of the room. The American and Californian flags are positioned behind the podium, framed by tall, elegant columns. The quiet setting suggests a pause in legislative activity.

Digital Democracy

The California Legislature set a record for women in office and could see historic gender parity

California’s Senate will reach gender parity, but depending on the outcome of some close contests, that could extend to the whole Legislature.

By Sameea Kamal • November 8, 2024

A room full of legislatures sitting during the state Assembly during a floor session at the state Capitol.

Digital Democracy

Big turnover, but Democrats keep their supermajority in the Legislature

The California Legislature is poised to see more new members than at any time in the past 10 years, but the election is unlikely to lead to any major changes in the Capitol’s partisan makeup.

By Ryan Sabalow and Sameea Kamal • November 5, 2024

A for-rent sign hanging in front of an apartment complex in Tower District in Fresno on July 27, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/Catchlight Local Fellow

Politics

Californians vote against rent control as Prop. 33 fails

California voters are deciding whether or not to repeal a past restriction on what properties could be affected by rent control, and whether the state can dictate local rent control policy.

By Felicia Mello • November 5, 2024

A close-up view of a lawmaker wearing a black suit and red tie as he smiles and looks to this right.

Politics

California’s Yes Man: Meet the Democratic lawmaker who has never said ‘no’ to a bill

Assemblymember Mike Fong is the only California lawmaker who has never voted “no” on a piece of legislation.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 25, 2024

Politics

Some legislators miss hundreds of votes, but even ‘excused’ absences count as a ‘no’

Seven Assemblymembers missed more than a quarter of their votes this year, most involving illness or family matters. But when it comes to bills, an absence is the same as a “no” vote.

By Sameea Kamal • October 21, 2024

Luke Johnson and husband Osbey Jackson stand in the kitchen of their home. Jackson rests his hand on a kitchen stove, and Johnson leans back on a chair next to a kitchen table. The home is decorated with photos and pots and pans hang over the stove.

Politics

California pledged $500 million to help tenants preserve affordable housing. They didn’t get a dime.

California allotted half a billion dollars to help community land trusts across the state. But budget cuts and bureaucracy have land trust advocates back where they were in 2020: seeking state aid to preserve affordable housing.

By Felicia Mello • October 10, 2024

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, addresses lawmakers on the first day of session in the California Senate, on Jan. 3, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Politics

Legislators could override nearly every Newsom veto. Why don’t they?

About 90% of bills that Newsom blocked this year passed with the support of more than two-thirds of legislators — enough to override a governor’s veto. But the Legislature hasn’t attempted to do so since 1979.

By Sameea Kamal • October 3, 2024