Capitol and flag, by Karin Hildebrand LauTrump 2.0 is already in full swing and California leaders are as well. Budget bills related to the L.A. fires are ready to go, and the Capitol says goodbye to an old friend.
Image by Simone HoganWhile in other states, they’re packing up the campaign office in mid-November, in California races are still being won and lost through organized field programs doing ballot signature “curing” that was unheard of just a few election cycles ago.
Image by NeydtstockIn talking with legislative staff, there are some practical tips that were shared with me for those working with staff of legislators in the California State Capitol. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating.
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieIn a long-expected move, Dana Williamson stepped down on Monday as Gov. Gavin Newson’s chief of staff. Newsom named longtime political strategist and advisor Nathan Barankin to replace Williamson.
Assembly swearing-in, photo by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyThe 2025-2026 legislative session kicked off on Monday with the swearing in of lawmakers old and new. Both chambers then adjourned until Jan. 6, 2025. In this edition of Capitol Briefs we share a few tidbits from Monday’s festivities.
Former California Assemblymember Adam Gray. Photo by AP. Legislators in both parties openly admit they frequently don’t vote on bills not because they’re lazy, but because “no” votes are taken personally by their colleagues. But because the “no vote recorded” category encompasses multiple behaviors, there’s a quiet push to change the way votes are recorded to include at least one other category, abstention.
Photo via Lanterman HouseFrank Lanterman won an assembly seat in 1950 with one goal: securing a steady water supply for his family’s land holdings and subdivisions in the Verdugo hills community of La Cañada outside Los Angeles, a task he completed in his first year in office. In the years to come, his influence would expand far beyond his hometown and he would become one of the most consequential legislators of his time by leading the effort to transform how California cares for people with severe mental illness.
Rudy Salas, photo by APAccording to recent USC polling, and the election buzz among national prognosticators, voters could be on the verge of electing the first Latino in the House of Representatives from the state’s Central Valley. Yes, you read that right.
Image by hapabapaIn looking over the 1,200 bills that reached Governor Newsom’s Desk during the 2024 Session, I found several with interesting provisions. They are in random order as I came across them in my review of the bill language.
Rep. Kevin Kiley and Democratic challenger Jessica Morse. Photo credits: U.S. Congress, California Natural Resources AgencyOne significant House race has been ignored for much of this cycle by national media and donors: Congressional District 3, currently represented by Republican Kevin Kiley and his challenger, Democrat Jessica Morse.