Christopher Cadelago
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Executive Editor for Global Technology & California at POLITICO | Golden 🐻 | “Ain’t nobody bigger than the program, ‘til you bigger than the program.”
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Articles by Christopher Cadelago
Decoded by POLITICO launches Monday
The future of the world is being dictated in real time by the intersection of tech titans and governments. But there's just way too much tech news to monitor. Your inboxes are full. Your feeds are even fuller. Push alerts pile up. And your phones won't stop pinging.
Democratic strategist David Plouffe to become Coinbase’s newest adviser Original
The former aide to Kamala Harris and Barack Obama is jumping into an industry tightly embraced by Donald Trump. David Plouffe most recently helped guide Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and was a top aide to Barack Obama. | John Lamparski/Getty Images SAN FRANCISCO — David Plouffe, the veteran Democratic strategist who in recent years has worked extensively in tech, is joining the global advisory council of Coinbase.
"Jest niezrównoważony". W USA lecą iskry. Donald Trump zrobił coś, na co nie odważył się nikt od 60 lat. "Bardzo poważna sytuacja"
— To niezwykły moment i nie chcę go wyolbrzymiać, ale są to słowa autorytarnego przywódcy — powiedział Newsom w poniedziałkowym wywiadzie dla POLITICO. — Niezależnie od tego, czy Trump podejmie działania, czy nie, wywołany przez to chłód jest realny i jest to poważna sytuacja, bardzo poważna — dodał. Trump i jego doradca do spraw granic zaatakowali Gavina Newsoma i burmistrz Los Angeles Karen Bass.
Gavin Newsom: Trump is ‘unhinged,’ speaking like an ‘authoritarian’ Original
LOS ANGELES — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Donald Trump’s threats against him and other Democrats following the president’s unilateral deployment of National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area carried all the markings of authoritarianism. “It's just an extraordinary moment, and I don't want to overstate it, but these are the words of an authoritarian,” Newsom said in a Monday interview with POLITICO.
Walz knocks Schumer over government funding blowup Original
Tim Walz took a jab at Chuck Schumer over his decision to avert a government shutdown, accusing the party of ceding to Republicans. “I believe that Chuck 100 percent believes that he made a decision that reduced the pain and the risk to Americans,” the Minnesota governor said in the latest episode of Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast released on Tuesday.
Kamala Harris will decide whether to run for California governor by the end of summer Original
“I am staying in this fight,” she’s told allies in phone calls and at private gatherings. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been making more public appearances, including accepting the Chairman’s Prize at the NAACP Image Awards last month. | Richard Shotwell/Invision via AP Former Vice President Kamala Harris is seriously considering a run for governor of California — and has given herself a deadline to decide.
Kamala Harris gets serious about whether to run for California governor
17 hours ago Kamala Harris' former running mate had an interesting chat with CNN's Kasie Hunt. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) hesitated Wednesday when asked by CNN’s Kasie Hunt, “Who do you think the leader of the Democratic Party is right now?” (Watch the video below.) He then gave a cautious reply — perhaps another …
Gavin Newsom breaks with Democrats on trans athletes in sports Original
Newsom also agreed that the most politically destructive attack ads from Trump’s campaign featured Kamala Harris’ support for providing taxpayer-funded gender transition-related medical care for detained immigrants and federal prisoners. “She didn’t even react to it, which was even more devastating,” Newsom said, suggesting upward of 90 percent of Americans disagreed with Harris’ position. “Then you had the video [of Harris] as a validator. Brutal,” Newsom added.
Gavin Newsom breaks with Democrats on trans athletes in sports
6 hours ago Charlie Kirk calls out ‘disappointing’ SCOTUS decision on USAID Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk discusses the Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump's attempt to block USAID funding on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’ Subscribe to Fox News! https://bit.ly/2vBUvAS Watch more Fox News Video: http://video.foxnews.com Watch Fox News Channel Live: http://www.foxnewsgo.com/ FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as...
Newsom’s ‘Sargent Shriver’ running for California lieutenant governor
Josh Fryday, a Navy vet and former Northern California mayor who is in Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet, wants to elevate volunteer service in the statewide role. Josh Fryday outlined to POLITICO a campaign focused on expanding volunteer service and job pathways, hunkering down to meet the state’s ambitious climate goals and speeding up the construction of millions more homes in the Golden State. | Joe Raedle/Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — A close aide to Gov.
Newsom’s ‘Sargent Shriver’ running for California lieutenant governor
SACRAMENTO, California — A close aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who helped expand California’s New Deal-inspired service programs into a network larger than the Peace Corps, on Wednesday will announce his 2026 campaign for lieutenant governor, joining a crowded field that includes political veterans and a nationally recognized anti-poverty advocate.
With eye on Trump, Newsom declares California emergency for forest fires Original
The order comes after President Donald Trump threatened to withhold Los Angeles recovery funding if California didn’t “rake” the forests. President Donald Trump, center, followed by first lady Melania Trump, shakes hands with California Gov. Gavin Newsom upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 24, 2025. | Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
Gavin Newsom is launching his own podcast — and inviting MAGA favorites Original
Newsom is hardly the first politician to have his own podcast platform. But in an interview with POLITICO Tuesday, he pointed to aspects he believes differentiate it from the typical gabfest: He’s an officeholder booking guests he vehemently disagrees with — occasionally to spar, but with the goal of building out a forum that illuminates their respective positions. “We already know what our disagreements are with the MAGA movement.
These lawmakers first were elected to check Trump. Now they want to do it again as governors.
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The ‘whisper-network’ readies a state-level resistance to Trump Original
“The reality is that state government is going to be really the tip of the spear in trying to protect people; to have some continuity on health care and consumer protection in a world where Trump is dismantling them,” said former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, another member of the class of 2018 who is mulling a bid for California governor, barring a run from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
These lawmakers first were elected to check Trump. Now they want to do it again as governors.
13 hours ago Elon Musk Says He'll Fire Every Federal Worker Who Ignores His Email Last summer, Donald Trump gushed to Elon Musk about the billionaire’s propensity for firing people. “You’re the greatest cutter,” Trump said in a … 1 hour ago In auto-centric Michigan, Trump’s proposed tariffs polarize a community If Trump’s tariff threats materialize, this region of the country, dominated by the domestic auto industry, stands to take as big a hit as anywhere. STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich.
Newsom sends Congress $40 billion request for LA fire aid Original
The letter comes amid weeks of intense debate in Washington centered around whether the anticipated disaster aid for California would come with conditions California Gov. Gavin Newsom tours the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on Jan. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Eric Thayer/Getty Images SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov.
Newsom stands by ‘sanctuary’ law but refuses to extend protections to inmates
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Newsom stands by ‘sanctuary’ law but refuses to extend protections to inmates Original
The move by the Democratic governor comes as Trump focuses on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories from the country. The rare veto threat by Gov. Gavin Newsom comes as President Donald Trump focuses on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories from the country. | Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
Pro-Trump sheriff to run for governor in deep blue California Original
Speculation around Bianco has mounted in recent days after an online post teased a “major announcement” from next week. The elected sheriff, whose vast territory stretches from the Orange County line to the Colorado River and the Arizona border, is set to announce his run alongside scores of supporters at a Monday event in Riverside. Bianco has accused Democratic leaders of coddling criminals and making it harder to arrest and imprison them.
Newsom to meet with Trump over LA fire aid, water Original
The White House visit will be the first by a high-profile Democrat with presidential aspirations of their own. Gov. Gavin Newsom has pointedly called out Donald Trump for spreading wildfire misinformation, but the Democratic governor has been uncharacteristically restrained about the president’s moves more broadly. | Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
Trump, longtime California antagonist, praised the state during LA fires visit Original
The disaster visits to North Carolina and then California laid bare the unpredictability of Trump, who revels in provoking adversaries from a distance but can be less keen on confronting them in person — especially while they are reeling from a crisis. It was also a revealing glimpse into the eggshell-walking mentality of Democrats, who typically jump at the opportunity to show their anti-Trump bona fides but recognize the fate of the state’s recovery lies in his hands.
Trump and Newsom share Hollywood hug after LA fires Original
Trump agreed. “We’ve got to get it done,” he said. “Tremendous numbers of lives have been affected — a lot of real estate has been affected,” Trump continued. “Nobody’s ever probably seen anything like this. You can almost say, since the Second World War, would you think of it?
Newsom plans to crash Trump’s LA wildfire visit
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Newsom plans to crash Trump’s LA wildfire visit Original
The Democratic governor and the Republican president have not spoken since Trump left office in 2020. President Donald Trump, who has frequently sparred with Gov. Gavin Newsom, is set to return to California amid a congressional standoff over conditioning federal disaster aid to the Democrat-run state. | Scott Olson/Getty Images; Rich Pedroncelli/AP SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
‘Karma is real:’ Threats over California fire aid reshape disaster politics
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‘Karma is real:’ Threats over California fire aid reshape disaster politics Original
“I certainly try to take the high road all the time, but I also keep receipts,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Los Angeles Democrat whose sister-in-law lost her home in the Eaton inferno. “I do believe in the universe, and karma is real,” she added. “You start down this road and it’s very hard to go back.
Newsom widens information war with Trump and Musk Original
The California governor is writing a new playbook for Democrats overwhelmed by partisan hits and misinformation in the midst of a natural disaster. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. | Eric Thayer/Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
Newsom’s battle with fiction
Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, is pictured at a wildfire briefing with President Joe Biden and Sen. Alex Padilla. The governor has made countering misinformation about the Los Angeles fires a top priority. | Stephanie Scarbrough/AP THE BUZZ: CLAPPING BACK — Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a new disaster playbook to confront President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and adversaries in the information battle that erupted after the wildfires began roaring across Los Angeles.
Playbook: Fire-torn LA dreads Trump’s return
With help from Eli Okun, Garrett Ross and Bethany Irvine The Southern California fires have decimated areas with a footprint larger than several major American cities. | Jae C. Hong/AP TRIAL BY FIRE — Firefighters across Los Angeles were racing to douse the wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least 16 people and destroyed more than 12,000 homes and businesses amid a return of menacing winds that pushed the flames into more communities.
Newsom implores Trump to visit LA fire destruction, not politicize tragedy Original
The California Democrat wrote the president-elect Friday inviting him to Los Angeles to see the fire damage firsthand. California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers remarks regarding the ongoing wildfires impacting Southern California alongside President Joe Biden at Santa Monica Fire Department Station 5 in Santa Monica, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. | Stephanie Scarbrough/AP SACRAMENTO, California — Gov.
Tensions flare between Trump, Newsom over fire response
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Tensions flare between Trump, Newsom over fire response Original
Biden later committed the federal government to covering all of the fire management and debris removal costs for the next six months. There’s little doubt Trump and Newsom are on a collision course over everything from the environment to immigration in the nation’s largest, and one of its most-liberal, states. Already, Newsom and Democrats are preparing to spend tens of millions of dollars on legal battles with Trump’s federal government.
Newsom lost a top aide. Former Harris adviser will take her place. Original
SACRAMENTO, California — Dana Williamson, who as chief of staff to Gavin Newsom served as his enforcer at the Capitol and a top liaison to powerful labor unions and business interests across California, has departed the governor’s office. Her last day was Friday.
Newsom breaks with Biden over son’s pardon: ‘I took the president at his word’ Original
The California governor, one of the president’s closest allies, said he disagrees with Biden’s decision. It is a painful turn for Gavin Newsom (right), a Democrat who had grown personally close with President Joe Biden in recent years and had emerged as one of his most vocal defenders. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov.
Newsom becomes the most prominent Dem to break with Biden over son’s pardon
Newsom grants clemency to five people who committed their crimes in Bay Area counties Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced that he has granted clemency to five people who committed their crimes in counties in the greater Bay Area.The …
Katie Porter alleges ‘persistent abuse,’ files domestic violence restraining order against ex-boyfriend Original
Porter, in her declaration, said that Willis is dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues, which have led to Willis undergoing two involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations since 2022. Porter said Willis had taken steps to address these issues, including attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and staying in a sober living house in spring 2023. But she has personally witnessed him continue to abuse substances, she said in court papers.
Harris is telling her advisers and allies to keep her political options open Original
“She doesn’t have to decide if she wants to run for something again in the next six months,” said one former Harris campaign aide. “The natural thing to do would be to set up some type of entity that would give her the opportunity to travel and give speeches and preserve her political relationships.” Most immediately, Harris and her advisers are working to define how and when she will speak out against Donald Trump and reassert her own role in the Democratic Party.
Actum acquires California lobbying firm with strong ties to unions
SACRAMENTO, California — Actum, the global consulting and lobbying firm led by high-powered figures in Washington, New York and London, as well as Los Angeles and Sacramento, is acquiring one of the California Capitol’s most familiar faces. Wetch’s move to Actum follows high-profile acquisitions and mergers in the public affairs space in California, as established figures plan their successions and look for off-ramps and global companies scramble for an edge in California.
Actum acquires California lobbying firm with strong ties to unions
Carter, Wetch and Associates is joining Actum’s growing operations in Sacramento. Scott Wetch and his firm exclusively told POLITICO that he is joining Actum’s growing operations in Sacramento. | Juliana Yamada/AP SACRAMENTO, California — Actum, the global consulting and lobbying firm led by high-powered figures in Washington, New York and London, as well as Los Angeles and Sacramento, is acquiring one of the California Capitol’s most familiar faces.
‘The behind-the-scenes work starts today’: The 2028 shadow primary is underway Original
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For Democrats’ rising stars, there was a silver lining in the blow dealt to them by Trump’s victory. Before Harris’ defeat, it looked like a generation of Democratic talent might be sidelined for a decade or more. Now, they have a new lease on a political future at a time when the party is searching for a way back from the wilderness.
By Adam Wren Verified, Christopher Cadelago Verified, Lisa Kashinsky Verified, Holly Otterbein Verified, Elena Schneider Verified
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POLITICO
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California braces for war with Trump
Donald Trump is headed back to the White House. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images HOW SHE LOST: Vice President Kamala Harris refused to make a clean break from the last four years when voters indicated that’s what they wanted.
How Biden's vulnerabilities led to a bloodbath for Harris
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How Biden's vulnerabilities led to a bloodbath for Harris Original
But the momentum advisers insisted she’d built failed to materialize. She never sufficiently buried Biden’s ghost, severely hamstringing her ability to sell voters on the idea that hers was the turn-the-page candidacy. It happened, simply, because Harris refused to make a clean break from the last four years when voters indicated that’s what they wanted.
Newsom taps juggernaut digital operation to raise millions for Harris and Democrats Original
The California governor in two years nearly tripled his email list to more than 17 million from 6 million and grew his tranche of phone numbers to nearly 11 million from 1.5 million. Gov. Gavin Newsom raised more than $15.7 million for Democrats in the presidential race, with the money flowing to the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and a leading super PAC.
Katie Porter is coaching potential successor to win her seat. It may not be enough. Original
Democrats have reasons for concern: Scott Baugh, the longtime GOP operative and former state lawmaker and county party chair who narrowly lost to Porter in 2022, has effectively been running for three years. Democrats have lost ground with registered voters in the district and their candidate this year, state Sen. Dave Min, is a capable fundraiser, but nowhere near as prolific as Porter.
Newsom’s new Trump-proofing plan
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