California
Newsom rolls out ‘shock and awe’ ad campaign for redistricting measure
The ads come as the messaging war over redistricting picks up in California.
California Playbook
Sign Up | Read the latest edition- Antonio Villaraigosa swipes at Porter and Becerra
- State Controller Malia Cohen confirms reelection run
- Rev. Al Sharpton speaks out on fantasy sports betting sites
California Climate
Sign Up | Read the latest edition- Power shutoffs are driving rural Californians crazy
- Lightning has sparked dozens of wildfires
- Californians could soon see cheaper E15 fuel at the pump
State Politics
Anthropic backs California bill that could test Newsom on AI
The ChatGPT rival is backing Scott Wiener’s AI transparency bill after his prior, high-profile effort was vetoed last year.
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Elections
Newsom adviser says California redistricting fight will be a referendum on Trump
Jim DeBoo says internal polling shows anger toward Trump is motivating Prop 50 voters.
California Ballot Initiatives
Is anyone in charge of Los Angeles?
As the city grapples with its post-fire recovery and pre-Olympic planning, business and labor have both given up on working through city hall — and are preparing for total war at the ballot box.
Climate
Hawaii and Wisconsin join blue-state opposition to Trump’s EV attacks
The two states joining the coalition are the first that haven’t already adopted California’s nation-leading vehicle standards.
More from POLITICO California
The former governor has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years.
California, Delaware AGs blast OpenAI over ChatGPT after teen suicide
The attorneys general are demanding more information from OpenAI after accusations of recent chatbot-linked deaths.
Halle Berry wants to talk to Gavin Newsom about menopause
A bill that would increase insurance coverage for menopause treatments is at the center of a legislative push.
Fired staffer files lawsuit accusing California Assembly speaker of retaliation
A representative for the Democratic lawmaker said the claims are “absolutely false.”
JB Pritzker is losing weight. Even Donald Trump is taking notice.
Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, would hardly be the first candidate to drop weight ahead of a campaign.
Netflix co-founder drops $2 million into Gavin Newsom’s redistricting campaign
Reed Hastings is a longtime Democratic donor and Newsom ally.
California reaches deal with Uber, Lyft to allow driver unions
The deal brings Uber and Lyft on board with a pathway to unionization for ride-hailing workers after the companies spent years fighting against the idea.
Newsom deploys state police to major cities after Trump threatens to send more troops to California
The governor drew a sharp contrast between his effort and the Trump administration’s use of the military.
Tom Homan: Newsom is an ‘embarrassment’ for saying ICE is Trump’s ‘private police force’
Border czar’s attack on the California governor came after Newsom’s comments at a POLITICO summit.
Politicians, policy experts and POLITICO reporters delved into issues confronting the state.
‘Fine for what’? Newsom doubles down on refusal to give in to Trump’s UCLA demands
The Democratic governor was adamant that California should not “sell out our values” over funding.
‘It sickens me to the core’: Newsom slams Trump’s Intel deal
The California governor hit out at the president’s deal for the federal government to take a stake in the Silicon Valley icon.
Gavin Newsom teases he’s launching his own memecoin
It comes as the California governor expands his online troll campaign against Donald Trump.
Gavin Newsom: ‘I don’t think Donald Trump wants another election’
The California governor painted a bleak picture of the state of American democracy under President Trump.
Kids are ‘not where we’re going to experiment’ with AI chatbots, California Democrat says
“We’re moving too fast with our children,” California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan told POLITICO.
Katie Porter expects more challengers in California governor’s race
The former Orange County representative says the 2026 field is not yet set.
Xavier Becerra wants to be the ‘health care governor’
The former California attorney general split with Gov. Gavin Newsom on cutting Medicaid.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton touts ‘personal relationship’ with Trump admin
“I think I would be a good champion for California with the current administration,” Hilton said.
Padilla would back ‘minor, negligible’ UCLA deal with Trump over research cuts
The Democratic senator struck a softer tone than Gavin Newsom on the $1 billion settlement demand.
Padilla for governor? California senator leaves the door open.
Rumors have begun to swirl in Sacramento about a Padilla candidacy.
California Republican leader calls for a ‘two state solution’ amid redistricting battle
Assemblymember James Gallagher said his new proposed state would be among the most populous in the nation.
Schwarzenegger’s Hall of Fame induction in limbo amid standoff with Newsom
The former Republican governor has come out strong against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s gerrymandering plan.
‘Champing at the bit': Newsom’s labor allies plan redistricting ground game
Powerhouse California unions and advocacy groups are gearing up for a massive campaign.
Buzz grows for possible Padilla California governor’s run
The California senator already has a high-profile post. But he wouldn’t have to give it up to run for governor.
How California bluffed its way into a redistricting war with Trump
Nearly 50 people involved with the effort shared details with POLITICO about the tightly guarded process.
Independent redistricting champion spends millions against California gerrymander
Big money is pouring into California’s redistricting battle.
Poll: Support for campus diversity policies is sputtering in California
The polling comes as the Trump administration targets prominent universities over diversity initiatives.
Poll: Health care for California’s undocumented immigrants gains support amid budget crunch
Amid mixed views on immigration, more voters said health insurance should be available to all.
Poll suggests Trump’s ICE raids are backfiring in California
Most California voters say mass deportations would hurt the economy and favor keeping undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
California moves forward with gerrymander to counter Texas
Gavin Newsom signed legislation placing redrawn congressional maps on the ballot.