Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Liane Randolph

22. Liane Randolph

It has been a rough year for Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, one of the most powerful and far-reaching agencies in California government. The Trump administration came into office foaming at the mouth over California’s grand climate change mitigation plans, and shortly after Republicans took total control of Congress they blocked three of California’s federal Clean Air Act waivers, something that had never happened in the previous sixty years. But our lofty climate ambitions were already in a headbutting contest with California’s sky-high cost of living and a growing desire within the Capitol to do something about it. Most Republicans – and even a few Dems – have had their knives out for Randolph, blaming her for a whole suite of policies they say make California unaffordable. It’s hardly fair to blame all of that on Randolph, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has steadfastly had her back, but her job is probably a lot less fun these days. Nonetheless, CARB is a serious agency and Randolph is a serious player, and she will be until she chooses to ride into the sunset. Most likely in an electric vehicle.

Updated Aug. 26, 2025