Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by Kevin Liao of Frontrunner Strategies. Liao spent over four years as Press Secretary and Communications Director for former Speaker Anthony Rendon, before moving on to national campaign work. He was on first Elizabeth Warren and then Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign teams, and handled comms for Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz as she barnstormed the Midwest for the Harris-Walz ticket in 2024. He shares stories from the road – and tells what advice he’d give any other California politicians who might be seeking the White House.
News
Since 1996, California has required select telecommunications companies to offer basic, home telephone service to anyone who asks for it. Lawmakers could take a major step toward changing that when they return to the Capitol on August 18th.
News
Special interests paid lobbying firms more than $89 million to lobby state government in the second quarter of 2025, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist, professor, and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Micheli Files
In today’s edition of the Micheli Files, intrepid McGeorge law professor and Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli offers best practices for the use of letters to the Assembly and Senate Daily Journals.
Experts Expound
With last week’s new it seems the right time for a new Experts Expound question: What does Kamala Harris officially opting out mean for the 2026 California gubernatorial race?
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Another jam-packed episode. We start with reaction to Kamala Harris’ bombshell announcement that she will not seek the governorship in 2026, effectively resetting the race, at least on the Dem side. Next up, we welcome Brad Heavner who has stepped into big shoes as Executive Director of The California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA), replacing longtime ED Bernadette Del Chiaro. Heavner has his job cut out for him; the transition comes at a crucial time for California’s solar industry, with rooftop solar facing headwinds from DC and Sacramento. And finally, we tell you Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.
News
Former Vice President Kamala Harris ended speculation that she would run for governor of California with posts on social media this afternoon.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist, professor, and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Micheli Files
State mandates refer to state-imposed requirements on local governments and school districts that often involve new programs or higher levels of service. In this week’s Micheli Files McGeorge law professor and Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli shares insights into some types of state mandates.
Governor Tim Walz and Mrs. Gwen Walz with campaign staffer Kevin Liao backstage at Howard University in Washington, D.C., November 6, 2024. (David Lienemann/Harris for President)
