By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
California Legislative Black Caucus Elects New Leaders
On Aug. 14, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced that Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) was elected the chairperson for the 2027-2028 legislative session. Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) will serve as the vice chair of the political organization.
Jackson and Richardson will replace Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), respectively, as chair and vice chair.
“It is an honor to have been selected as the next chief servant to the members of this historic Caucus as we continue to build 21st-century Black power for the next 60 years and beyond,” chair-elect Jackson said. “I am grateful for this moment and confident in our dedication to what we can build together for the people of California.”
Jackson was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022 and took office on Dec. 5, 2022, representing the 60th District. He was re-elected for a second term in November 2024.
“As I pass the gavel to our new leadership at the end of this year, I do so with great confidence in their vision, commitment, and ability to carry this work forward. The Caucus is in excellent hands, and I look forward to all that will be accomplished in this next chapter,” said current CLBC Chair Weber Pierson.
Richardson, Senate Assistant Majority Whip, was elected to the State Senate in November 2024, assuming the office on Dec. 2, 2024. Yes, she also served in the California State Assembly before this, representing the 55th District from December 2006 to September 2007 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing California’s 37th congressional district from August 2007 to January 2013.
The CLBC incoming executive leadership team will also include Secretary-elect LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa), and Treasurer-elect Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda).
California Is Encouraging Young Changemakers to Apply for 2026 John Lewis Leadership Award
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is inviting young Californians committed to civic engagement, social justice and community service to apply for the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.
The award recognizes Californians ages 18 to 25 who are working to advance civil rights and improve life in their communities. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sept. 14.
“This award spotlights young people who display an unwavering dedication to civic engagement and a spirit of service to support all Californians—qualities that defined Congressman Lewis,” Weber said. “His legacy of courage and advocacy for the underrepresented continues to inspire, and this recognition is a testament to the positive impact young leaders have on our society.”
Established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State, the award honors the life and legacy of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights leader who spent decades advocating for racial equality, voting rights and social justice.
Lewis became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement while still a young man. At 21, he participated in the Freedom Rides challenging segregation in interstate travel. He later helped organize the 1963 March on Washington and, in 1965, survived a violent attack by Alabama state troopers while leading voting rights demonstrators across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on what became known as Bloody Sunday.
Lewis later represented Georgia in Congress for more than three decades, becoming widely known as a moral voice in national politics and an advocate of getting into “good trouble” to confront injustice. He died in 2020.
To qualify for the award, applicants must be California residents and between 18 and 25 years old when the award is presented. They must also be recognized as civic-minded leaders who have improved the quality of life in a California community.
Applicants must demonstrate a meaningful commitment to addressing civil rights issues and creating authentic, positive change in their communities.
The Secretary of State’s office expects to announce California’s 2026 award recipient in December.
Get more information: The Secretary of State’s John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
At Sacramento Summit, Becerra Discusses Policy; Uses “Family” Metaphor to Frame Case for National Political Unity
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is positioning himself as a results-driven Democrat willing to work across party lines, laying out an agenda focused on affordability, health care, housing, energy and technology at a Sacramento summit last week.
In a conversation with POLITICO California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason, the former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary pushed back on Republican criticism that Democrats bear responsibility for California’s persistent housing, homelessness and affordability problems.
“We’re a state. We’re a family. We all work together,” Becerra said, arguing that California’s challenges require cooperation rather than partisan blame. He added that, as governor, he would have to work with lawmakers “whether they’ve got a D or an R behind their name.”
The approach reflects Becerra’s broader campaign argument that voters are looking for results rather than ideological promises. He pointed to his experience handling crises and negotiating lower prescription drug prices as evidence that he can deliver, while rejecting what he called “pie in the sky, inflated promises.”
That philosophy is reflected in his housing proposal. Becerra says he wants to accelerate construction by reducing regulatory delays and creating greater certainty for developers, but declined to promise three million new homes, calling that an “inflated promise.” He also pledged to expand programs that help Californians purchase their first homes.
Health care is another major component of his platform. With federal cuts threatening coverage for Californians, Becerra proposed making the state a “backstop” so residents do not lose insurance. His plan would seek savings from administrative waste and require insurers and providers to help reduce costs.
On energy, Becerra unveiled his “Power Hour” concept: two hours of free electricity, initially aimed at lower-income households, during periods of excess solar generation. The proposal would encourage Californians to shift energy use to the afternoon, when solar production is high.
Becerra also supports requiring larger employers to contribute more when workers rely on publicly funded health programs, arguing that taxpayers should not subsidize companies that fail to provide affordable coverage.
On climate policy, he said California’s 2035 goal for phasing out new gas-powered cars is achievable if the state invests in charging infrastructure. He also wants stronger guardrails for artificial intelligence, particularly to protect children and workers, while keeping California at the center of the technology industry.
The candidate also addressed the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger, saying the state should consider whether the deal would keep Hollywood’s entertainment industry vibrant and protect working families.
On taxes, Becerra opposes the specific billionaires tax proposal on the ballot but maintains that wealthy Californians should pay their fair share. He also rejected the idea that Democrats face an “existential crisis,” arguing that different ideological factions can strengthen the party if they focus on delivering results.
Senate Republicans Announce New Leader
On Aug. 11, the California Senate Republicans unanimously selected Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) to be the Senate Republican Leader following the November 2026 election, replacing Sen. Brian Jones (R-Santee).
“The Senate Republican Caucus is filled with passionate, intelligent, and hardworking public servants, and it will be my honor to serve as the Minority Leader,” said Senate Republican Leader-elect. “We will fight for Californians who deserve an affordable, safe state where people and families can thrive.”
Jones is stepping down because he is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to the Senate this fall. He has served in the state Legislature since 2010.
“Our Caucus is strong, unified and is in good hands for the future,” stated Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones. “I look forward to working hard as Leader through the election and then turning over the reins to Senator Niello.”
California Republican Party Chairwoman Corrin Rankin “thanked Senator Jones for his service” and congratulated Niello for his new role in the GOP.
“Roger Niello brings decades of experience in business, local government and the Legislature to this role,” Rankin said in a statement. “He understands the importance of unity and what we can accomplish when Republican leaders, candidates, the party, donors and grassroots activists work together as one team. I congratulate Senate Republican Leader-elect Niello and look forward to working closely with him and the entire caucus to win elections this November and advance Republican solutions for California.”
Gov. Newsom Announces New AI Tools to Track Extreme Heat and Simplify Tax Filing and State Hiring
Gov. Gavin Newsom is highlighting new technology and efficiency initiatives designed to modernize California government, including artificial intelligence tools for state employees, an extreme heat tracking system, faster hiring and simplified tax filing for small businesses.
The initiatives come one year since Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to identify new ways to improve government operations. The administration is presenting the efforts as an alternative to broad cuts, arguing that technology and innovation can make government more efficient while improving services for Californians.
“Government should work for the people, and that means making it more efficient, more effective, and more engaged,” said Newsom. “We’re not just changing the way government operates — we’re changing the way Californians experience their government, with better services, more innovation, and more voice.”
Under a new partnership with Anthropic, California state agencies can access Claude as an AI productivity tool at a 50% discounted rate, along with workforce training and technical assistance. The Department of Motor Vehicles is using Claude to improve customer service and reduce wait times, while other agencies are applying it to health care workflows and cybersecurity.
The state is also expanding CalHeatScore, which translates extreme temperatures into risk information that agencies and community organizations can use for emergency planning, alerts and public communications. The Office of Emergency Services now incorporates live CalHeatScore data into its statewide dashboard.
For small businesses, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s Quick File tool allows eligible taxpayers to complete annual sales tax returns in less than two minutes. The administration said 15,000 taxpayers used the tool during its first peak filing period, resulting in 70% faster filing and 900 hours saved.
California is also expanding a “pooled hiring” model that combines vacancies across agencies into a single job posting. A pilot involving four agencies reduced the time spent screening and interviewing applicants by 75%, according to the administration.
The initiatives are part of Newsom’s broader push to use technology, data and innovation to improve government services while maintaining safeguards for privacy, safety and civil liberties, according to the governor’s office.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor Blasts Grow California for Billboards in Her District
California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) is blasting Grow California over a new billboard campaign promoting members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, accusing the nonprofit corporation of trying to confuse voters and interfere in Democratic politics.
“California voters deserve transparency—not political billboards designed to blur the lines and confuse voters,” McKinnor said in an Instagram post. She accused Grow California of spending money on billboards across California communities while promoting a “handpicked group of legislators.”
McKinnor, a Democrat who represents the 61st Assembly District, said Democratic lawmakers are “fighting every day for California families, our values, and to take back Congress.” She also rejected efforts by outside organizations to influence voters in her district.
“The trickery will not work,” McKinnor stated. “Grow California take your political trash out of my district.”
The billboards are part of an advertising campaign by Grow California highlighting the California Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group of state lawmakers Grow California says is focused on finding common ground on issues including affordability. The caucus has grown from nine members when it was formed in 2020 to 26 members this year.
Grow California says its campaign is intended to recognize lawmakers pursuing pragmatic, bipartisan solutions rather than promote a single political issue. The nonprofit was founded by Bay Area business leaders Tim Draper and Chris Larsen and says it supports accountable governance and policies aimed at strengthening California’s economy and improving the quality of life for working families.
“When public servants improve people’s lives, expand opportunity, and solve the problems facing working families, that kind of leadership deserves to be recognized,” Grow California leader Shaudi Fulp said in a statement.
Capitol insider Chris Micheli said that the purpose of the campaign is to educate the public about the caucus’ work and recognize lawmakers pursuing nonpartisan solutions.
The Problem Solvers Caucus is not involved in the advertising campaign. Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Concord), a caucus co-chair, said that members were grateful Grow California was recognizing their work.
Two Republican Assemblymembers Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Make Secretary of State a “Nonpartisan Office”
California Assemblymembers Natasha Johnson (R-Lake Elsinore) and Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) are proposing a constitutional amendment to make the secretary of state a nonpartisan office, arguing that partisan election oversight has eroded voter confidence and should be removed from California’s electoral system.
Johnson and Hoover introduced the legislation on Aug. 10.
Assembly Constitutional Amendment 23 (ACA 23) would require candidates for secretary of state to run without a party label and prevent political parties from nominating candidates for the office. The measure would place the secretary of state alongside judges, school boards, county and city offices and the state superintendent of public instruction as nonpartisan positions.
“Allowing partisan offices to oversee our elections is a recipe for disaster,” Johnson said. She argued that the official responsible for overseeing elections should not be elected through a partisan process.
Hoover said ACA 23 would give voters the opportunity to decide whether California’s chief election officer should be separated from party politics.
“We believe the individual administering our election system should represent the people of California, not a specific political party or perspective,” Hoover said.
The lawmakers are also urging passage of Senate Constitutional Amendment 3, introduced by Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks).
SCA 3 would transfer responsibility for writing titles and summaries for statewide initiatives and referendums from the attorney general to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO).
“This is really all about giving Californians information to make up their own mind without other influence,” Niello said, accusing the attorney general’s office of using ballot language to influence voters. He cited past measures involving high-speed rail, Proposition 47 and voter identification as examples.
Former Assemblymember Don Wagner, who is running for secretary of state, said he has heard concerns about election fairness from voters across the political spectrum. He said Californians want to know that the official overseeing elections is a “fair umpire.”
Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego), who helped qualify a voter ID initiative, framed the issue as broader than partisan politics, calling declining confidence in elections a “democracy problem.” He announced that Reform California will collect the signatures needed to place a combined ACA 23 and SCA 3 initiative on the 2028 ballot if lawmakers fail to act.
The proposals would require two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers before reaching voters. DeMaio urged lawmakers from both parties to advance the measures before the Legislature leaves Sacramento.
Berkeley IGS Poll: Becerra Holds 18-Point Lead Over Hilton in California Governor’s Race
Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a commanding lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s race for governor, according to a new Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) Poll that highlights the state’s deep partisan and regional divisions.
The survey found that 55% of likely voters support Becerra, compared with 37% for Hilton. Another 7% remain undecided ahead of the November general election.
Becerra receives support from 88% of Democrats, while 91% of Republicans back Hilton. The candidates also draw nearly unanimous support from voters aligned with their respective political ideologies.
“After the unsettled and chaotic primary, this is shaping up to be a fairly standard California general election, where Democrats enjoy a comfortable edge statewide. Hilton would need to make major inroads among traditionally Democratic leaning groups to make this a highly competitive race,” said Eric Schickler, co-director of Berkeley IGS.
Becerra holds substantial leads in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County and Central Coast, along with an 11-point advantage in San Diego County. Hilton leads by 19 points in the San Joaquin Valley and 9 points in the North Coast and Sierra region.
Becerra also leads across every age, gender and racial or ethnic subgroup measured, with particularly strong support among younger voters, women and Black voters.
Among Becerra supporters, 38% cited his support for “traditional Democratic policies, like expanding healthcare and protecting LGBTQ+ rights” as their primary reason for backing him. An equal share said he “will aggressively fight Trump administration policies.”
Fifty-five percent of Hilton supporters pointed to his backing of “traditional Republican policies, like lowering taxes and reducing government regulations,” while 28% said he is “not part of the California political establishment.”
Becerra also holds a stronger overall image rating: 49% of likely voters view him favorably and 43% unfavorably. Hilton is viewed favorably by 39% and unfavorably by 50%. Among voters unaffiliated with either major party, Becerra’s rating is slightly positive, while Hilton’s is decidedly negative.
The bilingual online poll was conducted Aug. 3-9 among 4,207 registered California voters, including a weighted sample of 2,310 likely voters. Its estimated sampling error is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
