Which party controls the state government?
Democratic trifecta
California
California's AG filed 54 lawsuits protecting $188B in federal funding. The state leads on climate, housing, and immigrant protections.
Updated October 3, 2026. Every figure is sourced and dated.
- 4
- fights still moving
- 4
- California guides
- 56
- rules tracked
What Is Moving in California Now
Fights still in court, at an agency, or proposed, newest first. Settled laws stay on each topic page.
- ICE Arrest PowersBlocked by a court
California ID requirement for federal agents (SB 805)
The district court declined to block it in February 2026. The Ninth Circuit blocked it pending appeal on April 22, 2026, finding it "attempts to directly regulate the United States in its performance of governmental functions," and on October 14 ordered the district court to enter a preliminary injunction. (source)
- ICE Arrest PowersBlocked by a court
California ban on masked officers (SB 627)
A federal judge put the mask ban on hold for federal agents on February 9, 2026, finding it discriminated against the federal government, and no party appealed. SB 1004, which adds state officers to meet that ruling, was signed September 29, 2026. (source)
- 10th AmendmentBlocked by a court
Ending $600 million in CDC grants to four states
A federal court in Illinois issued a preliminary injunction on March 13, 2026. (source)
- ICE Arrest PowersIn litigation
Stops based on race, language, job, or location (Los Angeles)
The Supreme Court stayed the district court’s limits on September 8, 2025, while the appeal continues. (source)
What November 3 Decided
Results as certified by the Secretary of State. Nothing here is a projection; each office reads "Not yet certified" until the state certifies it.
- Governor Not yet certified Xavier Becerra (D), Steve Hilton (R)
Who Runs California
The Legislature meets next on December 7, 2026.
- Governor Gavin Newsom Term-limited
- Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis On the ballot for state treasurer
- Attorney General Rob Bonta On the ballot for attorney general
- President pro Tempore of the California Senate Monique Limón
- Speaker of the California Assembly Robert Rivas
Who Votes in California
An estimated 64.7% of California's adult citizens voted in November 2024, plus or minus 1.6 points, against 65.3% nationwide.
- 39.4 million Residents, July 1, 2024
- 30.1 million Adults 18 and over (estimated)
- 25.3 million Adult citizens (estimated)
- 18.5 million Registered to vote (estimated)
- 16.4 million Voted (estimated)
- 15,865,475 Ballots counted for president
California
United States
- Voted
- Registered, did not vote
- Not registered
Shares of adult citizens. Registered but did not vote: California 8.2%, United States 8.3%. Registered and voted are estimates from the Census Current Population Survey, November 2024 (Table 4a); the margin of error for California's turnout is plus or minus 1.6 points and for its registration 1.5 points. Residents: Census Vintage 2024 estimates. Presidential count: Federal Election Commission, from each state's certified canvass.
Kamala Harris carried California by 20.1 points in the certified count, 9,276,179 votes to 6,081,697.
Your California Rules
The answers people look up first, chosen by search demand from our 50-state datasets. Each is dated and links to the source and to every state's answer.
- Does California’s constitution still ban same-sex marriage? Voters removed the ban Added 2008, removed 2024
- Is there a cap on how fast assessed home values can rise? The lesser of 2% or inflation Yes, on all property
- Do you need an ID to vote in person in California? No ID document for most voters Without ID: No ID document at the polls for most voters. Your identity is checked against your registration, usually by signature. A first-time voter who registered by mail may be asked for ID or a document with name and address under federal law.
- How far into pregnancy is abortion legal? Fetal viability Legal until about viability
- What is California's minimum wage? $16.90 an hour $15.00 or more
- How much support does Christian nationalism have in California? 22% support Under 30%
How California Ranks
California's minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, the 3rd highest of the 50 states, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Washington | $17.13 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 |
| California | $16.9 |
| Hawaii | $16 |
| New York | $16 |
| Rhode Island | $16 |
| New Jersey | $15.92 |
California and the states ranked nearest it. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026). Rates as of October 14, 2026.
Every California Guide
4 guides to California law and politics, each sourced and dated.
Elections and Who Holds Power
Your Money, Work and Home
Guns, Drugs and Criminal Justice
California Rules at a Glance
56 answers from our 50-state datasets. Each card shows when it was last verified and links to the source and to the California guide or every state's answer.
Rule of Law (2)
Is marijuana legal in the state?
Legal for adults, up to 28.5 grams
Legal for adults 21 and older
Voting (19)
When is the last day to register for November 3, 2026?
Register through Election Day; in person by Monday, October 19 to skip same-day rules
Can register on Election Day
Who can vote by mail?
Every voter is sent a ballot
Are guns banned at polling places?
Banned
Do you have to prove citizenship to register?
No document required; you attest
Is ranked choice voting used or banned?
Used or scheduled in some localities
Who draws the congressional map?
Independent commission
Did the state draw a new congressional map for 2026?
New map drawn to favor Democrats
Was the state covered by Voting Rights Act preclearance before 2013?
Some counties covered until 2013
Did the 2024 presidential campaigns treat the state as a battleground?
Not a battleground
Has the state joined the National Popular Vote Compact?
Joined
How many electoral votes does the state have?
54 electoral votes
20 or more electoral votes
Did the state gain or lose House seats after the 2020 census?
Lost 1 seat
Can voters recall state officials?
Yes, by a recall election
Where is the state's guide to running for office?
Ballotpedia, How to run for office in California
Guide available
When did the state ratify the 19th Amendment?
Ratified November 1, 1919
Before Tennessee, 1919-1920
Who can vote in a party primary?
Top-two (one ballot)
Top-two, top-four, or other
Can a person with a felony conviction vote in the state?
Lost only while in prison
Do you need an ID to vote in person in the state?
No ID document for most voters
How many people in the state are eligible, registered and voted?
An estimated 64.7% of adult citizens voted in 2024 (plus or minus 1.6 points)
An estimated 60% to 69.9% voted
Immigration (1)
Is the state on the Justice Department’s sanctuary list?
The state itself is listed
LGBTQ Rights (4)
Is gender-affirming care for minors banned or protected?
Shield law protects access
Is conversion therapy banned for minors?
Full ban for minors
Must schools tell parents about a student’s gender identity?
No forced-outing law
Does the state constitution still ban same-sex marriage?
Voters removed the ban
Education (1)
Has the state restricted DEI at public colleges?
No statewide restriction
Healthcare (1)
Has the state expanded Medicaid?
Expanded Medicaid
Economy (8)
What is the state's minimum wage?
$16.90 an hour
$15.00 or more
Can cities set a higher minimum wage?
No state ban
Can cities require paid sick leave?
No state ban
Is the state a right-to-work state?
No right-to-work law
What would the projected Social Security cut cost a retiree in the state?
About $449 a month
Projected cut at depletion
How much of the state's budget comes from federal money?
33.8% federal money
30% to 40% federal
Does the state tax income, and at what rate?
1% to 13.3%; the top rate starts at $1,000,000 (single filer)
Graduated rates
How high is the property tax on a home in the state?
0.70% of home value, 19th lowest of 50
Below the middle (26th to 40th)
Ethics (1)
How much does the state require lobbyists to disclose?
Meaningful spending disclosure
Reproductive Rights (1)
How far into pregnancy is abortion legal?
Fetal viability
Legal until about viability
Civil Rights (7)
Does the state have the death penalty?
Has it, executions paused
How does the state's civil forfeiture law grade?
Grade C
C range
Has the state passed anti-protest laws since 2017?
Bills filed, none enacted
Does the state constitution name a right to privacy?
Named as its own right
Does the state have a consumer data privacy law?
California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act
Law in force
How much support does Christian nationalism have in the state?
22% support
Under 30%
Did the state ratify the Equal Rights Amendment?
Ratified by the deadline
Housing (5)
Can a landlord refuse a housing voucher?
No. State law protects voucher holders
Does the state ban sleeping outside in public places?
No statewide law identified
How much notice must a landlord give for unpaid rent?
3 days
Does the state give homeowners a homestead exemption?
$7,000 off assessed value
Yes, a statewide program for most homeowners
Is there a cap on how fast assessed home values can rise?
The lesser of 2% or inflation
Yes, on all property
Gun Safety (6)
Does the state have a red flag law?
Has a red flag law
Can cities pass their own gun laws?
Local laws generally allowed
Can you openly carry a handgun in the state?
No, open carry of handguns is banned
Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
Permit required
Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
Yes, for all guns
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun?
Yes, for all guns
Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature. Attorney General Rob Bonta filed 54 lawsuits against the Trump administration in its first year and says they protected about $188 billion in federal funding (California DOJ). But the state is absorbing $30 billion in annual Medi-Cal cuts and a 1,500% surge in ICE arrests, while voters choose a new governor on November 3.
California is not just defending itself. It is setting the legal precedent for every other state that tries to push back.
California’s Lawsuits Against the Federal Government
AG Rob Bonta filed 54 lawsuits against the Trump administration in its first year, through January 20, 2026. His office counted 12 final rulings and 35 preliminary injunctions or other emergency relief by then.
$168 billion in federal funding protected by the lawsuit California filed in the administration’s first week, according to the Attorney General’s office
That number equals roughly one-third of California’s entire state budget. Bonta’s office also protected $11.1 billion in specific federal grants covering education and healthcare. A separate suit recovered $200+ million for California schools after Trump withheld $811 million in K-12 grant funding the day before it was scheduled to release.
Governor Newsom signed a $25 million legal defense fund in February 2025 specifically for federal litigation. During Trump’s first term, California filed more than 120 suits at a cost of approximately $42 million. The second-term pace is faster.
Trump withheld $500+ million in UCLA research grants over antisemitism allegations tied to Gaza protests. He demanded UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement and give up academic freedoms to get the money back.
”In his first week in office, President Trump went after a full-third of California’s budget, and we went to court less than 24 hours later and stopped him in his tracks.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta3.4 Million People Are Projected to Lose Medi-Cal
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 2025, cuts $30 billion per year from California’s Medi-Cal federal funding. It is the largest change to federal Medicaid policy since the Affordable Care Act.
If cuts take full effect
- January 2026: Eligibility for undocumented adults and seniors frozen. New enrollees get only emergency and pregnancy care.
- October 2026: Some lawfully present immigrants lose Medi-Cal eligibility, including trafficking victims and domestic violence survivors.
- January 2027: Work requirements begin for adults 19-64 without children under 13.
If California fights back
- AG Bonta challenges eligibility restrictions in court using existing lawsuit infrastructure.
- Legislature allocates state funds to cover the gap for the most vulnerable enrollees.
- Single-payer healthcare push gains momentum as the current system becomes unsustainable.
The enhanced federal ACA premium subsidies expired at the end of 2025. California set aside $190 million in state funds to cushion the lowest-income enrollees from steep premium hikes on Covered California plans.
$30 billion/year cut from Medi-Cal federal funding
3.4 million California residents are projected to lose coverage
$190 million state funds set aside to cushion ACA premium hikes
Work requirements begin January 2027 for adults 19-64 without young children
Federal Medicaid cuts have revived a California lawmaker’s push for single-payer healthcare. Advocates argue the public is more aware than ever that the current system cannot hold.
ICE Arrests Surged 1,500% in San Diego
Between May and October 2025, ICE arrested more than 4,500 people in San Diego County. In the same period a year earlier, fewer than 300. From January 20, 2025 to April 1, 2026, ICE apprehended 16,368 people in San Diego County alone.
72% increase in the average daily ICE detention population since April 2025
California now operates 8 active ICE detention centers, up from 6 at the start of 2025. Two new centers opened in former state prisons.
The Legislature responded. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Act, prevents child facilities from collecting immigration-related information when a parent is detained. SB 627 bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks during immigration enforcement, a first-in-the-nation measure signed after raids across California.
Schools must now request valid identification from immigration officers seeking to enter non-public areas. They cannot disclose student records without a judicial warrant.
In May 2026, ICE publicly asked Governor Newsom not to release specific undocumented people from state custody, naming a truck driver in a fatal crash and a suspect in a San Francisco stabbing.
Federal Aid After the Los Angeles Fires
The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires destroyed 16,251 structures. The Palisades Fire took 6,837 and the Eaton Fire took 9,414. Total property and capital losses ranged from $76 billion to $131 billion.
16,251 structures destroyed across two fires
$76-131 billion total property and capital losses
95% of destroyed parcels cleared within 7 months
~800 rebuilding permits issued as of July 2025
Newsom requested $40 billion for fire recovery, including $16.8 billion from FEMA. Trump denied California’s appeal for wildfire aid. When Trump released $5 billion in delayed disaster aid nationally, he excluded California and several other Democratic states.
California approved a $2.5 billion state wildfire relief package. FEMA allocated approximately $2.7 billion. As of July 2025, insurers had partially paid 93% of claims, totaling $20.4 billion.
The Legislature also extended and roughly doubled the California Wildfire Fund through SB 254, splitting costs between ratepayers and utility shareholders while limiting utility profits from wildfire-mitigation investments.
The 2026 Governor’s Race
Newsom is term-limited. Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, the top two finishers among 60 candidates in the June 2 primary, face each other on November 3. See our California governor race guide for the results and what the office controls.
Proposition 50, passed in November 2025, redraws congressional maps using legislative lines instead of the independent commission. New maps give Democrats a shot at flipping up to 5 House seats. Republicans currently hold 9 of California’s 52 congressional seats. The Supreme Court allowed California to use the new map in February 2026.
What You Can Do in California
-
Check your voter registration. The November 3 general election is next. Verify your status at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or register at registertovote.ca.gov.
-
Verify your Medi-Cal eligibility. If you receive Medi-Cal, confirm your enrollment status at benefitscal.com. Eligibility changes begin January 2026 for undocumented adults and seniors. Do not wait for a letter.
-
Know your rights during immigration enforcement. Schools cannot share student records without a judicial warrant. Officers must show valid identification. You do not have to open your door without a warrant signed by a judge.
-
Review your insurance coverage. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, confirm your homeowner’s or renter’s policy before the next fire season. The California Department of Insurance has a complaint and assistance line for claim disputes.
-
Know who is on your ballot. Becerra and Hilton are on the November 3 ballot for governor, along with other statewide and local races. Look up your full ballot at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
Contact Your Officials
Call your two U.S. senators, the governor's office, or look up your own state legislators.
Governor Gavin Newsom (D) 916-445-2841
Your State Legislators
Every address in California sits in one district for each chamber of the Legislature, and each district elects its own member. Enter your address in the Legislature's own lookup to see who represents you.
Find your California legislators
Chamber leaders
- Monique Limón, President pro Tempore of the California Senate
- Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California Assembly
All 118 California legislators
- Megan Dahle
- Mike McGuire
- Christopher Cabaldon
- Marie Alvarado-Gil
- Jerry McNerney
- Roger Niello
- Jesse Arreguín
- Angelique Ashby
- Timothy Grayson
- Scott Wiener
- Shannon Grove
- Josh Becker
- Anna M. Caballero
- Dave Cortese
- Melissa Hurtado
- John Laird
- Stephen Padilla
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
- Caroline Menjivar
- Monique Limón
- Susan Rubio
- Suzette Martinez Valladares
- Benjamin Allen
- Sasha Renée Pérez
- Maria Elena Durazo
- Henry Stern
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
- Bob Archuleta
- Sabrina Cervantes
- Kelly Seyarto
- Lena Gonzalez
- Thomas J. Umberg
- Laura Richardson
- Tony Strickland
- Steven S. Choi, Ph.D.
- Catherine S. Blakespear
- Akilah Weber Pierson
- Brian W. Jones
- Heather Hadwick
- Chris Rogers
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
- Joe Patterson
- Maggy Krell
- Josh Hoover
- David J. Tangipa
- Heath Flora
- Stephanie Nguyen
- Lori D. Wilson
- Damon Connolly
- Rhodesia Ransom
- Buffy Wicks
- Anamarie Ávila Farías
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
- Matt Haney
- Mia Bonta
- Catherine Stefani
- Liz Ortega
- Diane Papan
- Juan Alanis
- Marc Berman
- Alex Lee
- Ash Kalra
- Patrick Ahrens
- Esmeralda Soria
- Gail Pellerin
- Robert Rivas
- Dawn Addis
- Joaquin Arambula
- Stan Ellis
- Alexandra Macedo
- Tom Lackey
- Jasmeet Bains
- Jeff Gonzalez
- Gregg Hart
- Steve Bennett
- Juan Carrillo
- Pilar Schiavo
- John Harabedian
- Jacqui Irwin
- Celeste Rodriguez
- Nick Schultz
- James Ramos
- Jesse Gabriel
- Greg Wallis
- Blanca Rubio
- Mike Fong
- Robert Garcia
- Rick Chavez Zbur
- Jessica Caloza
- Michelle Rodriguez
- Mark González
- Isaac G. Bryan
- Lisa Calderon
- Sade Elhawary
- Leticia Castillo
- Phillip Chen
- Corey A. Jackson
- Tina S. McKinnor
- José Luis Solache, Jr.
- Natasha Johnson
- Blanca Pacheco
- Mike Gipson
- Al Muratsuchi
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
- Avelino Valencia
- Josh Lowenthal
- Tri Ta
- Kate Sanchez
- Diane Dixon
- Cottie Petrie-Norris
- Laurie Davies
- Carl DeMaio
- Darshana R. Patel
- Tasha Boerner
- Christopher M. Ward
- LaShae Sharp-Collins
- David Alvarez
No legislators match that search.
Source: California Legislative Information database export, read October 14, 2026.
Events
Show Up Locally
ICE Out, Los Altos
Visibility Event · Indivisible
221 Main St, Los Altos, CA, 94023
We gather outside the Post Office at 221 Main Street, Los Altos, CA every Monday to protest ICE and authoritarianism. Please bring a sign, join us, and spread the word. Immigration and Customs.
Change Begins With ME Overpass Alliance-Mondays
Visibility Event · Change Begins With ME (Indivisible)
2366 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA, 92109
Make some "Good Trouble" - Join us for an overpass visibility event at Clairemont Dr. over I-5. We use huge letters to spell out an inspiring message for passing cars during the evening commute and.
Weekly 6th Ave Bridge Bannering Over I-5 | Monday Afternoons
Visibility Event · Indivisible
1620 6th Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
There is street parking, but a lot of it is metered; Linda will have quarters with her on the bridge in case you need some. There aren't meters on the bridge itself so try to nab a spot there first.
Protect Social Security Rally and protest, Every Tuesday in 2026 @10:00 AM
CBFD Indivisible
7961 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942
Members from CBFD Indivisible, Neighbors in Action and others, invite you to join a weekly “Hands Off Social Security" rally every Tuesday from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM at the La Mesa Social Security.
Overpass Visibility Brigade Indivisible Fremont CA
Visibility Event · Indivisible Fremont CA
5480 Central Ave, Newark, CA, 94560
Are you angry about the cruel, unlawful actions of this government? Do you want to remind people that they are not alone in these unprecedented times? We need you. Do you want to spread democratic.
Tuesday Protest!
Visibility Event · Indivisible
Intersections of Carlson Dr and J and H streets, Sacramento, CA, 95819
This a local WEEKLY Indivisible event! Protest Now! What's on your mind? We are a group of people who have common goals to protect our Democracy, stand up for liberty and our planet via signs/posters.
Weekly Mira Mesa Rally to Save Our Democracy
Indivisible
This event’s address is private. Sign up for more details, San Diego, CA, 92126
Join us each Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 for peaceful sign waving and community in Mira Mesa. A group of us waive signs to remind the world we stand for democracy and against this administration. We have.
Bannering 280 (Cupertino)
Visibility Event · Indivisible Palo Alto Plus
21370 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, CA, 94089
Raise awareness and build resistance, one driver at a time! The Indivisible Palo Alto Plus Bannering Team conducts protests on highway overpasses, reaching thousands of drivers at a time with our.
Voter Tools
Voter Registration and Resources
Find Federal Representatives Use Congress.gov to confirm your House member and senators. Check Voting Rules Verify state registration rules and deadlines before the next election.
Don't see a letter on your issue? Text RESIST to 50409 to write your own to any official.