Check out our weekly roundup of news about democracy at the state level, with links from @theguardian.com, @deseret.com.web.brid.gy, @zachmontellaro.bsky.social, @representwomen.bsky.social, @dustingardiner.bsky.social, @brennancenter.org, and more!

California Dems would take Newsom over Harris in a 2028 presidential primary, according to a new poll.

Trump's federal takeover of D.C.'s police is a blow to democracy. This dangerous overreach of power should alarm every American, regardless of where you live. California is not sitting idly by, challenging Trump in court today to put an end to his unprecedented and unlawful use of force. #CALeg

Democrats are making a Trump-inspired U-turn on redistricting.

The Trump admin is demanding $1B from UCLA. The settlement would resolve alleged civil rights violations, restore hundreds of millions of dollars of frozen federal research grants, and force the school to adopt major changes to how it operates.

San Francisco progressives eye Zohran Mamdani’s rise in New York with envy.

Fascinating to see the stark rural/urban and north/south divide on #SB79, the biggest housing bill of the year. Let’s dive into the details, and see how your State Senator voted. 👇

ICYMI: Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes says he's puzzled by Mark Zuckerberg’s shift toward Trump and the right "It’s more just mystifying," Hughes said of Zuckerberg, his college roommate who was "left of center" during their Harvard years www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Who's going to the @milkeninstitute.org Global Conference in LA next week?! I'll be there covering it ALL for California Playbook (your go-to Milken news source), along w/ @melmason.bsky.social @tylerkatzenberger.bsky.social Sign up & follow our coverage: politico.com/milkenglobal... #MIGlobal

Exclusive: UK and EU to defy Trump with ‘free and open trade’ declaration.

First in @politico.com: San Francisco Democrats force the age question. Resolution calls for imposing a mandatory retirement age for elected officials www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Via @dustingardiner.bsky.social: "California voters have grown so frustrated with the blue state’s failure to reduce homelessness that well over a third of the electorate now supports local laws that allow police to arrest people camping outside if they refuse shelter."

Upcoming SF event: Come out to Manny's on April 29th for an in-depth conversation about Trump's first 100 days & consequences for the Bay Area Featuring panelists: Honey Mahogany, Nancy Tung and Jane Kim; moderated by me. Tickets on sale now here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-first-...

Upcoming SF event: Come out to Manny's on April 29th for an in-depth conversation about Trump's first 100 days & consequences for the Bay Area Featuring panelists: Honey Mahogany, Nancy Tung and Jane Kim; moderated by me. Tickets on sale now here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-first-...

Shockingly, the new gender/genital policing rules at the border are causing LGBTQ people to be less than excited about visiting the U.S. & spending money here.

Participating in the deportation of lawful residents without due process is an extreme violation of the law & frankly, criminal. Those who participate in these lawless, gestapo-like disappearances should face harsh accountability. Saying you were “just following orders” isn’t a defense.

SCOOP (ICYMI): The Trump admin plans to close HHS' Western regional office in downtown San Francisco @pelosi.house.gov criticized the move, which likely eliminates 318 jobs: “This shortsighted office closure would lead to critical service slowdowns..." www.politico.com/newsletters/...

ICYMI: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is getting under fellow Democrats’ skin www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Scoop: Eleni Kounalakis has told allies she's seriously considering a pivot to run for state treasurer in 2026 (if Kamala runs for California governor) www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Inside California Democrats’ intra-party feud over trans rights www.politico.com/news/2025/03...