California Legislature

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California’s budget is ‘roughly balanced,’ but deficits could grow under Trump

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a relatively small $2 billion shortfall for 2025-26, but says the state can’t afford new programs. Gov. Newsom has complained about attention on the office’s deficit estimates.

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A California Republican won a seat he didn’t want. Now taxpayers are paying for a new election

Kern and Tulare county taxpayers are on the hook for a special election after Republican Vince Fong won his Congressional seat along with an Assembly seat he no longer wanted.

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Lobbying activity this past summer cost a record-breaking $168 million. Here’s what we know.

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism, and a special one focusing on gas prices, powerful corporations poured in record-setting money to influence lawmakers.

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2024 Election Results: In House race, Steel and Tran remain in dead heat

Plus highlights of other close races in the state Senate and in cities in Los Angeles County.

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Republicans fend off Democratic challengers in three key Inland Empire races

Republican candidates in three high-profile Inland Empire races for Congress and the state Legislature were either leading or able to fend off Democratic challengers as officials keep counting votes.

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Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer

The tech giant spent $10.7 million lobbying the Legislature and governor from July through September during a media bill fight. It also showered elected officials with $107,500 in campaign cash on one day in September.

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The California Legislature set a record for women in office and could see historic gender parity

California’s Senate will reach gender parity, but depending on the outcome of some close contests, that could extend to the whole Legislature.

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Newsom uses a stunt to position himself as a leader of the anti-Trump resistance

Gavin Newsom called a special session of the Legislature “to safeguard California values" from a Trump administration. The false declaration of urgency achieves what Newsom likely wants: national media coverage that probably wouldn’t happen otherwise.

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Newsom calls special session to ‘Trump-proof’ California

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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Attorney general slams Beverly Hills for ‘illegally interfering’ with abortion clinic

In a settlement with Attorney General Rob Bonta, the city agrees to train employees on abortion access laws. But city officials deny any wrongdoing in how they handled permits for a third-trimester clinic.

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Busloads of Californians are heading to swing states. Can they make a difference?

Californians are heading east to knock on doors ahead of the 2024 election. Democrats in particular are sending busloads of volunteers to Arizona and Nevada.