Bay Area Topsy-turvy top-two: Is California’s primary system keeping its promises? By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | June 13, 2022 After 10 years, the top-two California primary system is under fire again, but the problems may have more to do with political gamesmanship.
gavin newsom Will California gun laws go national? By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | June 3, 2022 On Thursday night, President Joe Biden gave a speech urging Congress to adopt a swath of new gun restrictions.
business Money wars: Special interests spend big in California primary By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | May 24, 2022 In some races, the independent expenditure committees funded by special interest groups are clearly supporting or opposing candidates. In others, the strategy is more complicated.
Bay Area Succession: How California lawmakers play the election game By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | May 12, 2022 Several lawmakers are trying to bequeath their seats to relatives and staff members. Critics say they’re trying to game the system.
guns After Sacramento shooting, a state prison release proposal is even more contentious By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | April 11, 2022 The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has proposed changes to the rules for certain inmates to get out early.
business Why is so much special interest money flowing into a California special election? By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | April 4, 2022 The more than $1 million spent on a San Diego special Assembly seat election today is likely a preview of battles to come in the 2022 campaign.
Education What’s behind the ‘Great Resignation’ of California lawmakers? By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | January 10, 2022 A combination of new electoral districts, term limits, and political ambition lie behind many departures.
gavin newsom Fund the police: Newsom responds to California crime concerns By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | December 17, 2021 Governor defends past reforms and proposes $350 million-plus to stop organized retail thefts.
gavin newsom And the winner in the California recall is? None of the above By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | September 16, 2021 While Larry Elder led candidates in the California recall election, millions of voters left the question of Newsom's potential replacement blank.
gavin newsom Full speed ahead on overhauling California recalls By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | September 15, 2021 The day after Gov. Newsom easily defeated the recall, Democrats began a push to make recalls more difficult.