Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we introduce a new series of interviews with the 2026 California gubernatorial candidates. First up, California gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee. Yee boasts two decades of public service, beginning with a stint on the Board of Equalization and followed by two terms as California State Controller (2015-2023). Yee announced her candidacy for California governor in March 2019. We spoke with her in May about her campaign, about the 2024 elections, and what unique perspectives she brings to the race.
Micheli Files
On both January 3 and July 3 of the 2024 California Legislative Session, the State Assembly Floor Sessions were disrupted and temporarily recessed by protesters in the Gallery. This has raised the question whether there are any laws available to preclude this disruptive behavior.
Analysis
ANALYSIS – During this week’s back and forth about the future of the Biden nomination, California Congressman Mark Takano cited low Biden polling in his Inland Empire district as a reason for Democrats to find an alternative presidential nominee for November. While using the Takano poll as a benchmark could be causing California members of congress, and Democratic nominees, some considerable headaches, this poll may not be a perfect benchmark.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Capitol Briefs
It has been one heck of a busy week, but even as we write these words lawmakers are wrapping things up and readying for their month-long vacation. Here’s a smattering of things you might missed from this week’s action.
Micheli Files
In the past, the California Legislature used conference committees as a part of the legislative process. However, despite extensive rules and procedures for their use that still exist today in the Joint Rules and the respective house rules, the conference committee in the California Legislature is largely nonexistent today.
Capitol Briefs
Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness. It’s going to be a really busy few days before everyone heads off to summer recess, so here’s a few things to ponder before you go.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We welcome Christy Smith, the former Democratic Assemblymember for California’s 38th Assembly District. Smith also ran three times for Congress. Today she is the Executive Director for Emerge California, the state’s arm of the national organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. She spoke with us about the likelihood that the California Legislature will achieve gender parity in the near future, and about the unique challenges that face women candidates.
Capitol Briefs
It was a busy few days in the Capitol, with several moves on the ballot measure front, potentially huge changes to how PBMs operate in California, and an almost brawl in the Assembly.
