Billionaire Tom Steyer is paying influencers to boost his $200 million California governor campaign. Some didn’t disclose it. A state law offers little accountability.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan both oppose a 5% one-time tax on the state’s 200-plus billionaires, a proposed ballot initiative that is supported by all other Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

The East Bay congressman who is leading all Democratic gubernatorial candidates in some polls is accused by at least two former staffers of multiple sexual assaults, further roiling the California governor primary battle.

Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire running for California governor, and his wife, Kat Taylor, reported a total annual income of $39 million, topping the list.

The deal, which Newsom said would ensure "the survival of newsrooms,” was reached after Google spent $11 million on lobbying state lawmakers to drop proposals that would have forced Google to pay newsrooms for using their content.

The governor’s 2026-27 budget proposal projects $9 billion more in revenue than anticipated, banking on the AI-driven economy to last.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had called for accountability on mental health and homelessness when he proposed his CARE Court program. What became law, however, pleased almost no one.

California’s independent legislative analyst is warning that the state faces a nearly $18 billion deficit.

AT&T’s failed effort this year to retire copper landlines in parts of California seemed to have support from a diverse grassroots coalition. But many of the members had ties with the telecom giant.

California leaders wrapped up this year’s legislative session Saturday afternoon, prolonged by last-minute backroom deals on climate and energy, sparking deep frustration among some lawmakers.

Legislation to force Google’s Chrome web browser to safeguard personal data cleared the Legislature and headed to the governor’s desk Thursday.

California lawmakers are advancing a measure that would curb journalists’ access to their home addresses and contact information through their voter registration records, an attempt watchdog groups say hinders the public’s ability to hold politicians accountable.

It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results.

A dozen bills proposed in Sacramento would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.

California’s political watchdog staff accused former Assemblymember Evan Low of concealing payments to actor Alec Baldwin for appearing at a 2020 fundraiser for Low, plus multiple other campaign finance violations.

Eight years ago, California Democrats adopted “sanctuary” policies to protect immigrants from President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. But now, as Trump ramps up threats against sanctuary states and cities, Democratic leaders have taken on a softer tone.