Census

California’s clout in both presidential and congressional elections is shrinking. It’s a stark reminder of the old adage that demography drives destiny.

In the absence of a statewide mandate, communities across California are left on their own to enact redistricting reforms that cut out partisan influence. San Luis Obispo appears to be next, but much of the state still remains susceptible.

The budget-cutting efforts in Congress putting the U.S. government on the verge of a shutdown could become a fixture. The current spending proposals put Census Bureau funding on the chopping block, which could have lasting impacts if California's population remains undercounted.

Programming note: We’ll be recognizing Presidents’ Day, so WhatMatters will return to your inboxes on Tuesday.  In 2021, it was big news — the “California exodus.” Now, it just looks like the new trend: California’s population is still shrinking. According to the latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, California’s total population declined by […]

California's independent commission adopted final congressional and legislative districts for the next decade, starting with 2022 elections. Here are some key points on the new maps.

The California redistricting commission hopes to adopt final congressional and legislative maps today, but some districts are drawing fire.

California's independent redistricting commission is struggling to finish new congressional maps. While its deliberations are contentious, Texas is being sued over its maps, pushed through by the Republican legislature and governor.

The independent citizens panel isn't just being criticized for the legislative and congressional districts it's drawing. It's already in court over alleged secret meetings and studies. Now, it's facing questions over its spending and budget.

The state's redistricting commission isn't supposed to consider where current elected officials live. And the preliminary maps put some House members and state legislators into less politically friendly districts, or in the same district as another incumbent.

California's independent redistricting commission reaches a key milestone by releasing its preliminary congressional and legislative maps for public comment. But many changes are likely before final districts are adopted in late December for the 2022 election.