Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute for Monday, February 16, 2026
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
CA120
CA120: Twins – the 2026 governor simulator
Image from Paul Mitchell's TWINS - California 2026 Governor Simulator site.The most intense parlor game in Sacramento is that of projecting the composition of June’s Top Two gubernatorial primary. Not who among the dozen leading candidates will win, per se, but what will be the partisanship of the two that make it to the General Election, and if that could actually be two Republicans.
Analysis
Q4 2025 spending on lobbying firms exceeded $91 million
Image by SergZSV. Special interests paid lobbying firms more than $91 million to lobby state government in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Micheli Files
An orientation for lobby day
Lobbyists crowd around video screen to watch the floor votes on the last night of the Legislature's session. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP)What should your lobby day participants know about California government before they embark on their lobby day at the State Capitol in Sacramento? This article sets forth those key items for them to get acquainted with regarding the Legislature and the legislative process.
News
AG Bonta deals cardrooms a defeat in their battle with the tribes
Attorney General Rob Bonta (Photo: AP/Rich Pedroncelli)New regulations approved this month will dramatically change the operations of California’s cardrooms and are expected to take a sizable bite out of not only their revenues but that of several cities. The changes, however, are in line with what the state’s gaming tribes have been pushing for.
Podcast
Enviro updates with Jennifer Fearing
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This week we’re joined by lobbyist Jennifer Fearing of Fearless Advocacy. Fearing was a key player in the negotiations to pass SB 54, a landmark bill that regulates plastic waste in California. Governor Newsom signed the bill in 2022, but as we all know, passing legislation is one thing, implementation is another. Fearing walks us through the bill’s complicated journey, and gives us an updates on it, and other environmental actions in the state.
News
For many lawmakers, free sports tickets are all in the game
Image by GlaserStudios. With gifts to state officials capped at $630, no legislator should be accepting free tickets to Super Bowl 60, which start on secondary markets at more than $6,000 a piece. But that hasn’t stopped them from taking a lot of free tickets to other sporting events.
Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute for February 9, 2026
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Micheli Files
Statutory statements by the Legislature should guide courts
California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtaoWhen the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.
Podcast
Beyond the Governor’s Race
Photo, Eric Haynes, used under Creative Commons permissionsCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom has taken up most of California’s political oxygen so far this year, but there are other statewide races coming up, including Lt. Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, and – potentially – a slew of Ballot Measures. Capitol Weekly Editor Rich Ehisen, reporter Leah O’Tarrow and podcast co-host Tim Foster take a look at the 2026 ballot. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.