Gov. Gavin Newsom is rushing a plan to provide financial relief to utilities facing massive lawsuit payouts because of California wildfires. Some lawmakers are fighting it.
Jeanne Kuang / CalMatters
Newsom makes last-minute push to help California utilities facing wildfire bills
One of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final political fights in California is a revival of an old one. As wildfire costs threaten utilities’ financial models, the governor wants to help them pay less for fires.
Newsom’s populist act: Oppose state billionaire tax, embrace federal one
With proposals to tax the rich, Gavin Newsom is playing to a 2028 national audience anxious about artificial intelligence. As California governor, he’s walked a fine line on taxes for years.
The top-two primary was supposed to change California politics. Did it flop?
California voters approved a top-two primary election designed to encourage moderation. But in most races, it ends in a conventional Democrat-versus-Republican matchup. Some are ready to scrap the top two.
Follow the money: Who’s backing California’s next governor — and why
Billionaires, Big Oil and other interests are spending big to influence the California governor’s race, making for the most expensive primary campaign in state history.
California governor front-runner Xavier Becerra’s playbook: Never say you’re sorry
Democratic front-runner for California governor Xavier Becerra has dodged weeks of criticism about his record. His dismissals reflect a confident position near the top of the polls.
For the lone woman left in the California governor’s race, it’s all about ‘temperament’
Onetime progressive darling Katie Porter’s campaign for California governor stalled over viral videos that critics say showed temperament issues. Seven months later, they’re still her biggest liability.
Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132 million campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan dominated fellow Democrats in fundraising, bringing in $13 million, the most recent campaign finance disclosures show. Katie Porter raised $2.8 million, Xavier Becerra brought in $1 million, Antonio Villaraigosa raised $707,000 and Tony Thurmond raised just $62,000.
Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy
Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race for California governor. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.
California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past
Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by César Chávez’s life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault against the late labor leader.

