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California became the 31st U.S. state on September 9, 1850. Its capital is Sacramento. ↗
County election officials questioned the federal government’s voter lists after receiving demands to segregate ballots. CalMatters reports on their findings and the state’s response.
Read the original reporting ↗Upcoming election
Election Day · November 3, 2026
Photo: Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters · San Diego, June 2, 2026 context photograph
Demographics and civic data
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GOVERNMENT SNAPSHOT
California’s statewide offices, representatives, regional bodies, and local areas.
State leadership
Current statewide officials and U.S. senators; six serving Supreme Court justices and one vacant position.
GovernorGavin NewsomDemocraticFirst elected: 2018Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Lieutenant GovernorEleni KounalakisDemocraticFirst elected: 2018Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Attorney GeneralRob BontaDemocraticFirst appointed: 2021Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Secretary of StateShirley N. WeberDemocraticFirst appointed: 2021Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
State ControllerMalia M. CohenDemocraticFirst elected: November 8, 2022Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
State TreasurerFiona MaDemocraticFirst elected: 2018Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Insurance CommissionerRicardo LaraDemocraticFirst elected: 2018Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
State Superintendent of Public InstructionTony ThurmondDemocraticFirst elected: 2018Last elected: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
U.S. SenatorAdam B. SchiffDemocraticServing since: December 9, 2024Open Office Page 
U.S. SenatorAlex PadillaDemocraticServing since: January 20, 2021Open Office Page 
Chief JusticePatricia GuerreroNonpartisan officeInitial selection: August 2022Latest selection: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 8, 2035Open Office Page 
Associate JusticeCarol A. CorriganNonpartisan officeInitial selection: December 2005Latest selection: 2018Scheduled term end: January 6, 2031Open Office Page 
Associate JusticeGoodwin H. LiuNonpartisan officeInitial selection: 2011Latest selection: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 8, 2035Open Office Page 
Associate JusticeJoshua P. GrobanNonpartisan officeInitial selection: 2018Latest selection: November 8, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Associate JusticeKelli M. EvansNonpartisan officeInitial selection: 2022Latest selection: November 10, 2022Scheduled term end: January 4, 2027Open Office Page 
Associate JusticeLeondra R. KrugerNonpartisan officeInitial selection: November 24, 2014Latest selection: 2018Scheduled term end: January 6, 2031Open Office Page Current elections
No past elections are available yet.
Government structure
Selected statewide education systems, governing boards and commissions. Counts retain their stated units and source periods.
Selected public education and higher-education systems.
Sets policy for the governance of California public kindergarten through grade twelve schools. Governor appointment with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate.
Explore official informationA 26-member Board of Regents governs the ten-campus public university system. Eighteen regents appointed by the Governor for 12-year terms; one student appointed by the Regents for one year; seven ex officio voting members. Two faculty advisors are nonvoting.
Explore official informationA 25-member Board of Trustees oversees the statewide public university system. The transition integrating Cal Poly and Cal Maritime takes effect in fall 2026. Five ex officio trustees; sixteen Governor appointees for eight-year terms; two student and one faculty Governor appointees for two-year terms; one alumni representative appointed for two years by the CSU Alumni Council.
Explore official informationThe Board of Governors sets statewide policy and provides guidance for 116 colleges organized into 73 districts. Board members are appointed by the Governor.
Explore official informationSelected statewide boards and regulatory commissions.
Four district-elected members and the State Controller oversee property tax, alcoholic beverage tax and tax on insurers. Four members elected by district; the statewide elected Controller serves ex officio.
Explore official informationFive commissioners serve staggered six-year terms, with one designated Commission President. Governor appointment with Senate confirmation.
Explore official informationThe board leads California’s efforts to reduce air pollution and climate-changing emissions. Its 16 members include 14 voting members and two legislative ex officio nonvoting members. Twelve voting members appointed by the Governor; one environmental justice voting member each appointed by the Senate Rules Committee and Assembly Speaker. Two legislative ex officio nonvoting members are selected by legislative leaders. The Governor selects the Chair from the board.
Explore official informationTwelve voting commissioners, six public members and six local elected officials, serve alongside three nonvoting state officials. Governor, Senate Rules Committee and Assembly Speaker each appoint four voting commissioners, two public and two locally elected members.
Explore official informationStatewide reporting
Read the original reporting and support the newsrooms covering California.
County election officials questioned the federal government’s voter lists after receiving demands to segregate ballots. CalMatters reports on their findings and the state’s response.
CalMatters reviews Xavier Becerra’s and Steve Hilton’s campaigns, policy proposals and final-week strategies ahead of California’s November 3 governor election.
California housing advocates are divided over Proposition 45. CalMatters examines arguments about faster environmental reviews, housing construction and development beyond existing urban areas.
Methodology and limits
Current-page coverage is Strong (8/10). Government directories, election records, Census releases, geographic data and attributed reporting support this page. Dates, source links and photograph credits identify the original material.
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