Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute for June 1, 2026
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Podcast
Can Steve Maviglio kill the Top Two Primary?
Image created by The Poison PenCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: California’s Top Two Primary, also known as a Jungle Primary, was approved by voters as Proposition 14 in 2010. Sixteen years later, California voters are beginning to sour on Top Two. Fears of a GOP – or Democratic – lockout in this year’s race for governor have led many to call for a change. Recent polling by Capitol Weekly found the 79% of respondents wanted to revise or repeal the jungle primary. Longtime Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio has heeded that call, filing a ballot initiative proposing to repeal Prop. 14. He joins us today to talk about the race for governor, the legacy of the Top Two and why it needs to change.
Capitol Briefs
Capitol Briefs: Antitrust, elections and online safety
California State Senate floor session. Photo by Capitol Weekly.It was another jam-packed week, with the June primary election blessedly almost upon us and the deadline for bills to clear their house of origin.
CA120
CA120: California voters souring on Top Two
Ballot envelope, Los Angeles County. Image by Darylann Elmi. In a new Capitol Weekly survey of likely June primary voters fielded May 6-14 (N=1,549), we asked voters about the Top Two system and the Governor’s race. The headline number is striking: 69% of voters say they are concerned that the November General Election could feature no candidate from the party they prefer.
Micheli Files
General versus special statutes
California law, image by Vitalii VodolazskyiCapitol observers will come across bills that delineate between general or special (also called local) statutes. So, what is a general statute versus a special or local statute? Capitol lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains it all in today’s Micheli Files.
Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute for May 25, 2026
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Support for The Micheli Minute is provided by The McGeorge School of Law Capital Center for
Capitol Briefs
Capitol Briefs: Cardrooms, menopause and mental health
Image by Capitol Weekly. Some tidbits from this week around the Capitol.
Micheli Files
California Legislature can negotiate measures off the ballot
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieCan the California Legislature actually negotiate measures off the statewide ballot? If so, how can that be done?
Podcast
Talking journalism with Soledad O’Brien
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is Emmy Award winning journalist, producer, documentary filmmaker and podcaster Soledad O’Brien. O’Brien got her start in broadcast TV in 1991, and has held a wide variety of positions, ranging from on-air reporter, to anchor, to producer. Her work has been recognized with four Emmy awards, three George Foster Peabody Awards; she has also received the Gracie Award, which honors women in media. O’Brien joined us to talk about the state of journalism today.
News
Lawmaker, heal thyself
Image by Phimprapha Kitaiamphaisan. California lawmakers are responsible for shaping mental health policy for millions — deciding how the state responds to crisis, expands treatment and addresses stigma. But when it comes to their own mental health, many say the reality is far less structured