Michael Reagan’s death reverberates among Californians of both parties

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following Michael Reagan’s passing earlier this week, reflecting the impact he had on Californians regardless of party affiliation. Leaders in the state honored the son of former President Ronald Reagan with a rare show of bipartisan respect.

OPINION: California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

California’s 2026 election campaigns have officially started, marking the beginning of a potentially unusual political season. Republicans are poised to lead the governor’s race, indicating a shift that could challenge expectations in this predominantly Democratic state.

OPINION: California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

Senator Padilla condemns OpenAI’s effort to stifle chatbot protections

State Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) has taken a strong stance against OpenAI’s newly announced ballot initiative, condemning it for potentially weakening crucial safeguards against abusive AI-powered chatbots. OpenAI’s proposal, which seeks to limit additional legislative protections, underscores the rising tensions between policymakers and the tech industry over the future of AI regulation.

Senator Padilla condemns OpenAI’s effort to stifle chatbot protections

The California governor’s race shows why we need ranked choice voting

A new letter to the editor contends that California’s next governor might gain office with only a fraction of the vote. Arguing for ranked choice voting, the writer insists that a more inclusive system ensures genuine majority support and stronger leadership.

Justice Department joins GOP lawsuit to block Proposition 50 map

The U.S. Justice Department has joined Republican leaders in a lawsuit aiming to block California’s Proposition 50 map. While GOP officials claim the map unconstitutionally favors Latino voters, state authorities question the basis of the challenge. Both sides are gearing up for a significant legal fight that could reshape local political representation.

Nation’s redistricting arms race continues with California’s Prop 50

California’s Proposition 50 is throwing fresh fuel on the country’s redistricting disputes. While Democrats see this mid-decade map-drawing effort as a way to gain an upper hand, some leaders, like Evan Cragin, were initially hesitant to endorse the strategy.

Nation’s redistricting arms race continues with California’s Prop 50

Nancy Pelosi has a new challenger. He doesn’t want to talk about her.

California State Senator Scott Wiener has announced he is running for a prominent U.S. House seat but insists his campaign is not about Nancy Pelosi, the longtime legislator in the spotlight. Despite stepping right into Pelosi’s domain, Wiener maintains that his strategy centers on his own vision rather than challenging her record directly.

Campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California most expensive, ever

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure has sparked an unprecedented fundraising battle in California, drawing support from labor unions and Democrats nationwide. Republicans, seeing the high stakes, are also pouring in money, making it one of the most expensive state campaigns in recent memory.

Campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California most expensive, ever

What is SB 771 and how would it impact free speech in California?

A new California bill called SB 771 seeks to hold social media companies accountable for amplifying violent or threatening content. While claiming to guard public safety, the proposal has garnered significant online backlash over concerns it may chill free speech.

What is SB 771 and how would it impact free speech in California?

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept. 3, 2025

Community activists and leaders across four California cities rallied on August 23 to oppose state Sen. Scott Wiener’s SB 79. Backed by the Marin-based Catalysts Institute for Local Control, nearly 50 people gathered to emphasize the importance of preserving local autonomy.

Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept. 3, 2025