Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, a candidate for California governor in 2026, has regularly worked side jobs at Bay Area nonprofits to earn extra income because he says the state pay is insufficient.
Alexei Koseff / CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom’s MAGA-curious podcast mystifies listeners — and sets Dem lawmakers on edge
Gavin Newsom’s podcast launch baffles allies and critics alike as the California governor disappears from public events, raising questions about his leadership priorities and political future.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Katie Porter vows to stand up to Trump as she enters race for California governor
After months of hinting that she would run, former Orange County congressmember Katie Porter formally launched her 2026 gubernatorial campaign Monday with a video posted to social media in which she touts her independence from corporate interests and lambastes President Donald Trump.
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Trump is bound for L.A. — threatening to withhold fire aid and keeping Newsom out of the loop
The Trump administration apparently opted not to coordinate at all with Gov. Gavin Newsom while planning the president’s planned Friday visit to fire-ravaged Los Angeles. Just how awkward will this be?
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Gavin Newsom has grown California’s government to record size. Now he, too, is selling ‘efficiency’
Gavin Newsom is echoing the incoming Trump administration as he touts government efficiency. But the governor has expanded the size and scope of California’s government to an all-time high.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
L.A. fires underscore how much California has to lose if Trump withholds disaster aid
The federal government typically covers 75% of rebuilding costs after a major disaster. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to withhold firefighting money from California.
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California’s budget is ‘roughly balanced,’ but growing deficits expected
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $2 billion shortfall for 2025-26, but says the state can’t afford big new programs. Gov. Gavin Newsom has complained about attention on the office’s deficit estimates.
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Newsom calls special session to ‘Trump-proof’ California
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants the new Legislature to “protect” California from Donald Trump on civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. The session will start Dec. 2.
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Don’t expect Kamala Harris’ loss to boost Gavin Newsom’s presidential prospects
California’s governor faces a lot of obstacles to a plausible run for president in 2028, even if he does help lead the resistance to Donald Trump.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Return of the Resistance State: What another Trump presidency will mean for California
Expect four more years of combative showdowns between California’s Democratic leadership and a second Trump White House.