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Decision Desk HQ has called the Los Angeles mayoral race for Nithya Raman, putting incumbent Karen Bass on the verge of defeat. But what does Raman's apparent victory mean for Los Angeles's future? I grew up in West Los Angeles and spent the first 20 years of my life there. My parents still live in the city, and despite everything that's happened to LA over the years, I still care deeply about its future. In this episode of So, Does It Matter?, I share my thoughts on the mayoral election, the prospect of Raman taking over City Hall, and what Los Angeles residents should expect from their next mayor. As a conservative who knows Los Angeles and has followed California politics for decades, I have some strong opinions about where the city has been and where it may be headed. Visit So, Does It Matter? Read my columns and subscribe at https://www.sodoesitmatter.com Jon Fleischman | So, Does It Matter? California politics, straight talk, and the question that matters most: So, does it matter?

California voters will decide 14 statewide ballot measures on November 3, 2026. In this Ballot Proposition Special, Jon Fleischman and California Policy Center CEO Will Swaim go measure by measure, explaining what each proposition would do and sharing where they stand on it. The conversation covers bonds, taxes, housing, voter identification, public campaign financing, recall elections, health care spending and reform of the California Environmental Quality Act. Jon and Will’s recommendations: VOTE NO: Propositions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38, 40 and 44 VOTE YES: Propositions 39, 41, 42, 43 and 45 CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to the Ballot Proposition Special01:23 — Meet Will Swaim03:15 — What Is the California Policy Center?03:53 — Proposition 1: Housing Affordability Bonds — NO06:48 — Proposition 2: California’s Rainy-Day Fund — NO09:15 — Proposition 3: Permanent High-Income Tax — NO12:36 — Proposition 4: Public Campaign Financing — NO15:37 — Proposition 5: Statewide Recall Elections — NO21:27 — Proposition 37: Middle-Income Homebuyer Loans — NO26:08 — Proposition 38: Immunology Research Bonds — NO30:02 — Proposition 39: Voter Identification — YES33:57 — Proposition 40: Billionaire Wealth Tax — NO40:13 — Proposition 41: Spending Limits and Audits — YES44:06 — Proposition 42: Personal Property and Retroactive Taxes — YES46:28 — Proposition 43: Local Tax Vote Requirements — YES51:44 — Proposition 44: Community Health Clinic Spending — NO55:37 — Proposition 45: CEQA and Environmental Review Reform — YES58:14 — Final Thoughts and the Downloadable Voter Guide USEFUL LINKS Jon Fleischman’s complete 2026 California Ballot Measure Voter Guide:https://www.sodoesitmatter.com/p/our-official-ca-2026-general-election California’s 14 qualified statewide ballot measures:https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/qualified-ballot-measures California Official Voter Information Guide:https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voter-information-guides November 3, 2026 election information and deadlines:https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026 Check your California voter registration status:https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ So, Does It Matter?:https://www.sodoesitmatter.com California Policy Center:https://californiapolicycenter.org National Review’s Radio Free California podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/national-reviews-radio-free-california-podcast/id1272856118 Jon Fleischman on X:https://x.com/flashreport Will Swaim on X:https://x.com/WillSwaim The opinions and voting recommendations expressed in this episode belong to the speakers. Listeners should consult California’s Official Voter Information Guide before voting.

California gas prices, foreign oil dependence and Gavin Newsom’s energy policies take center stage in this conversation with Will O’Neill, chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County and former two-time mayor of Newport Beach. O’Neill joins Jon Fleischman to argue that California’s taxes, regulations and declining refinery capacity are raising prices while making the state increasingly reliant on imported oil. He explains why he views that dependence—particularly on energy routed through Asia and the Middle East—as an economic and national-security concern. Jon and Will also discuss new Assembly Republican Leader Ali Macedo, the challenge of breaking California’s Democratic supermajority, Steve Hilton’s call for Xavier Becerra to debate, and a political controversy involving the Orange County Fair. TOPICS DISCUSSED California gas prices and refinery closures Newsom’s oil and energy policies California’s reliance on foreign oil China, the Middle East and national security Ali Macedo’s Assembly Republican leadership Steve Hilton’s debate challenge to Xavier Becerra Political-party booths and controversial artwork at the Orange County Fair CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 01:01 Meet Will O’Neill 03:04 California gas prices and Newsom’s oil policies 04:22 Foreign oil and national security 08:01 Newsom, China and overseas dependence 12:50 Ali Macedo becomes Assembly Republican leader 18:37 Will Xavier Becerra debate Steve Hilton? 23:38 The Orange County Fair controversy 29:53 Follow Will O’Neill 30:49 Closing thoughts ABOUT THE GUEST Will O’Neill is chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, a former two-time mayor of Newport Beach and a practicing attorney. Follow Will on Instagram and Facebook: @RealWillONeill What do you think? Are California’s energy policies protecting the environment—or exporting production, increasing foreign dependence and raising prices at home? Subscribe to So Does It Matter? for more straight talk about California politics, public policy and the issues affecting everyday Californians.

Yesterday, with only hours left before the deadline, one of the most consequential taxpayer deals in recent California political history came together in Sacramento. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association withdrew its qualified Save Prop. 13 initiative after legislative leaders and Governor Newsom agreed to place ACA 22 on the November ballot and remove ACA 13. In this episode, Jon Fleischman explains what the original initiative would have done, why the Upland loophole matters, what taxpayers won, what was given up, and why the deal matters for the future of local taxes in California. This is a real win for taxpayers — but it came with concessions.

RedState Managing Editor Jenn Van Laar joins Jon Fleischman for a deep dive into the questions surrounding Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, their nonprofit organizations, real estate transactions, tax returns, and the federal investigation that Newsom himself has publicly acknowledged. Long before most of the media took notice, Jenn was reporting on the financial and ethical questions surrounding the Newsom family. In this conversation, she walks through the timeline of her reporting, what is currently known about the DOJ probe, and why many of these issues have been hiding in plain sight for years. Topics discussed include: • The reported federal investigation into the Newsom family’s finances • Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit organizations • The California Partners Project and the Representation Project • Questions surrounding Newsom family real estate transactions • Missing tax returns and financial disclosures • What journalists and voters should be asking next • How conservatives can discuss these issues without overstating the facts Whether you support Gavin Newsom or oppose him, this conversation offers an in-depth look at issues that could become increasingly important as Newsom’s national political profile continues to grow. Guest: Jenn Van Laar, Managing Editor, RedState Host: Jon Fleischman, Publisher, So, Does It Matter? For more California political news and analysis, visit SoDoesItMatter.com.

Tom Steyer had the worst week in California politics. After pouring more than $200 million of his own money into the race for governor, Steyer still came up short of advancing to November. California voters delivered a brutal reminder: money can buy ads, consultants, mail, polling, and saturation coverage — but it cannot buy enthusiasm, authenticity, or votes. In this episode of Worst Week in California Politics, I break down why Steyer’s campaign failed, what his defeat says about California voters, and why this may be one of the most expensive political faceplants in state history. And Steyer is not alone. We also hand out bronze and silver medals for the other contenders who had especially rough weeks in California politics. Subscribe for straight talk on California politics. Read more at: https://www.SoDoesItMatter.com

Susan Shelley joins Jon Fleischman for a wide-ranging post-election discussion on what California’s latest election results may be telling us about the state’s political future. The conversation begins with a look at several high-profile tax and revenue measures that appear to have been rejected by voters, including healthcare-related sales taxes, vacant-home taxes, and San Francisco’s controversial CEO tax proposal. Susan explains why these results could signal growing voter skepticism toward government claims that higher taxes are necessary to maintain essential services. Jon and Susan also dive into one of the biggest looming battles facing California voters: the proposed billionaire tax. They discuss why critics view the measure as more than a one-time wealth grab, how it could permanently authorize wealth taxation in California, and why the debate may have implications far beyond a handful of wealthy residents. The discussion then shifts to California’s major political races. Susan shares her thoughts on Steve Hilton’s strong performance in the Governor’s race, why she believes his message is resonating with voters, and whether California’s political landscape may be more competitive than many observers assume. The two also discuss the Los Angeles mayoral race, Spencer Pratt’s impact on the campaign, Karen Bass’s challenges, homelessness, public safety, and whether voters are becoming more willing to reject the political assumptions that have dominated California government for decades. Finally, Susan offers her thoughts on affordability, energy policy, climate mandates, and why she remains optimistic that California’s biggest problems can still be solved through better public policy. In This Episode Election Day takeawaysTaxpayer resistance to new taxesLos Angeles streetlight assessmentsContra Costa healthcare sales tax defeatSan Diego vacant-home tax proposalSan Francisco CEO tax rejectionCalifornia’s proposed billionaire taxWealth taxes and constitutional concernsProp. 19 and inherited propertySteve Hilton’s gubernatorial campaignKaren Bass and the LA mayoral raceSpencer Pratt’s political impactOlympic taxpayer liabilityAffordability, energy policy, and California’s futureConnect Subscribe to Jon’s Substack: So, Does It Matter? www.sodoesitmatter.com Follow Jon for more California political analysis, interviews, and commentary on the issues shaping the Golden State.

California’s top-two primary system has created a strange campaign tactic: sometimes candidates don’t just run against their opponents — they try to choose which opponent they want. Adam Schiff did it with Steve Garvey. Gavin Newsom did it with Brian Dahle. So why didn’t Tom Steyer do the same thing with Sheriff Chad Bianco? In this video, I break down how Steyer could have used his own campaign money to elevate Bianco with Republican voters, potentially pulling votes away from Steve Hilton in the race for California governor. I also explain why Xavier Becerra may be benefiting from a very different factor: temperament. Becerra is not moderate ideologically, but next to Steyer’s overheated style, he may look more normal and steady to voters who are not following every ideological detail. The election is just days away. If Steyer falls short, this may be one of the strategic mistakes people look back on. Subscribe for more California politics:SoDoesItMatter.com

In this solo So, Does It Matter? Live, Jon Fleischman breaks down the final stretch of California’s June election season, starting with the governor’s race and the growing pressure on Republicans to consolidate behind one candidate in the top-two primary. He discusses the latest PPIC poll, Steve Hilton’s position, Chad Bianco’s challenge, Democratic turnout concerns, and why California’s long vote-counting process makes “Election Day” increasingly meaningless. Jon also digs into the Los Angeles mayor’s race, where Karen Bass is showing serious weakness, Nithya Raman is gaining traction, and Spencer Pratt’s unusual campaign is becoming harder to dismiss. From there, he turns to Republican drama in State Senate District 4, the controversy over a Duarte campaign mailer targeting Marie Alvarado-Gil, the fight over use of the official Republican Party logo on voter guides, and a new Sacramento push to restrict firearm purchases through training and permit requirements. Of course get a lot more at the SDIM website!

Jon Fleischman interviews Michael Gates, the Republican candidate for California Attorney General, about his campaign against Rob Bonta, his Huntington Beach legal record, crime, Prop. 36, constitutional rights, ballot titles, corruption, and what he would do on day one as California’s top law enforcement officer. Watch specific segments: 00:00 — Welcome, Introducing Michael Gates 02:02 — Gates’ Background, Huntington Beach, And His Legal Record 04:33 — Campaign Update: Clearing The GOP Field 05:54 — Fundraising, Endorsements, And The Million-Dollar Mark 08:05 — What Can A Republican Attorney General Actually Do? 09:01 — The Independent Power Of California’s Attorney General 10:20 — Crime, Prop. 36, And A “Zero Crime” Agenda 12:06 — California Crime Rates Vs. Huntington Beach’s Record 13:32 — Rob Bonta’s Priorities And Suing Trump 14:27 — Day One: Constitutional Rights, CCWs, And Federal Law 15:42 — Schools, Gender Issues, Title IX, And Girls’ Sports 16:34 — Corruption, Waste, Fraud, And Clawing Back Taxpayer Money 18:47 — Ballot Titles, Summaries, And Direct Democracy 22:37 — Rob Bonta, Bontagate, And Campaign Legal Spending 25:40 — Bonta’s Political Allies And Federal Indictments 28:24 — Why Gates Says Californians Should Help His Campaign 29:00 — Gates4AG.com, Social Media, And Final Appeal Subscribe for more California political analysis: SoDoesItMatter.com

California’s final major gubernatorial debate before the primary is in the books — and Jon Fleischman breaks down who helped themselves, who hurt themselves, and what the debate revealed about the state of the race. In this rapid-fire analysis, Jon examines: • Why Xavier Becerra spent the night under siege over scandal questions • How Steve Hilton emerged once again as the strongest communicator on stage • Why Katie Porter may have had her best debate — possibly too late • The continuing strengths and limitations of Chad Bianco • Why Matt Mahan still hasn’t broken through • Tom Steyer’s growing authenticity problem • Antonio Villaraigosa’s struggle to escape the past Jon also explains why, after five debates, the field remains remarkably unsettled heading into the final stretch of voting — with one notable exception: Eric Swalwell, whose campaign imploded before the race ever fully took shape. A blunt, substantive, and unapologetically opinionated breakdown of the final debate in California’s race to replace Gavin Newsom.

Jon Fleischman is joined by longtime Los Angeles political consultant Matt Klink for a wide-ranging discussion about the chaos unfolding in Los Angeles and California politics. They break down the Los Angeles mayor’s race, Karen Bass’s political problems, Spencer Pratt’s viral campaign ads, Democratic Socialist influence at LA City Hall, controversial new tax proposals, and the latest developments in the California governor’s race. The conversation also covers homelessness, public unions, Prop 13 loopholes, copper theft, low-turnout elections, ballot manipulation strategies, and the growing frustration many Californians feel toward government dysfunction. Topics Include: • Karen Bass and the LA mayor’s race • Spencer Pratt’s surprising political rise • Democratic Socialists on the LA City Council • LA streetlight tax proposal • County sales tax increases • Public employee unions • Prop 13 loopholes • Xavier Becerra vs Steve Hilton • Tom Steyer strategy • California’s top-two primary system • Low voter turnout and election math Subscribe to Jon’s Substack: SoDoesItMatter.com Follow Jon Fleischman: X: @FlashReport Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction, Matt Klink Joins So, Does It Matter? Live! 04:02 — Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt, And The LA Mayor’s Race 06:12 — Runoff Math, Special Interests, And The Top-Two Dynamics 10:31 — Democratic Socialists, Vote Splitting, And LA Political Strategy 16:38 — Spencer Pratt’s Viral AI Ads And Why They’re Working 21:21 — Low Turnout, Homeowners, And Who Actually Votes In LA 23:01 — Los Angeles City Council Races And Democratic Socialist Expansion 27:55 — Traffic Enforcement, Public Safety, And City Hall Priorities 30:30 — The Streetlight Tax Measure And Prop 218 Ballot Politics 35:05 — Cannabis Taxes, Hotel Taxes, And More LA Ballot Measures 36:30 — LA County’s Proposed Sales Tax Increase And Prop 13 Loopholes 39:38 — The California Governor’s Race, Polling, And Republican Math 42:20 — Tom Steyer, Strategic Advertising, And Top-Two Manipulation

Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, joins Jon Fleischman for a wide-ranging conversation about California taxes, Proposition 13, Tom Steyer’s split-roll proposal, and the controversial billionaire tax measure likely headed for the ballot. We discuss why HJTA believes California progressives are making a renewed push to weaken Prop 13, how higher commercial property taxes ultimately get passed on to consumers and renters, and why the billionaire tax may be far broader than voters realize. Jon also breaks down the constitutional concerns surrounding the wealth-tax proposal, the growing backlash against California’s tax-and-spend culture, and HJTA’s “Save Prop 13” initiative aimed at tightening voter approval rules for local taxes and rolling back massive real estate transfer taxes like Los Angeles’ ULA tax. Topics include: Tom Steyer and split rollThe billionaire tax and wealth taxesWhy businesses pass taxes to consumersConstitutional concerns with the proposalLos Angeles transfer taxesSave Prop 13 and the Local Taxpayer Protection ActCalifornia’s growing taxpayer frustrationLINKS HJTA.org SaveProp13.com SoDoesItMatter.com

Yesterday afternoon, Jon hosted Will Swaim, President of the California Policy Center and co-host of Radio Free California, for this week’s So, Does It Matter? Live! What started as a discussion about the California governor’s race quickly turned into a broader conversation about the fiscal crisis facing California, government unions, homelessness, illegal immigration, public-sector dysfunction, and whether Sacramento’s political class is capable of honestly confronting any of it. If you know Will, you know this was not a surface-level conversation. We started with Will’s political evolution from left-wing Orange County Weekly editor to one of California’s sharpest critics of government union power. He explained how the California Policy Center came to focus on what he believes is the driving force behind many of California’s structural problems: public-sector unions and their enormous influence over government policy. From there, we dove into the California governor’s race and the now-infamous “Clusterfuckistan Debate.” We talked about why the campaign still feels disconnected from reality, why almost nobody on the debate stage is willing to discuss spending cuts, and why Republicans now face a very real possibility of being completely shut out of the November ballot. We also discussed Xavier Becerra’s rise, Steve Hilton’s position in the race, and why conservatives may need to consolidate behind whichever Republican is best positioned to survive the top-two primary system. Then the conversation shifted into something much bigger. Will and I talked about how California’s homelessness crisis reflects a broader philosophical transformation in American life — the replacement of family, churches, synagogues, civic organizations, and local communities with an ever-expanding government bureaucracy. That led us into a discussion of Alexis de Tocqueville, Ronald Reagan, mental-health policy, and what happens when government becomes the “first resort” instead of the last. From there, we turned to illegal immigration, sanctuary-state policies, and the growing tension between California and the federal government. We discussed SEIU’s role in immigration politics, the economic and political incentives behind California’s immigration policies, and why California increasingly behaves less like a state within the union and more like a separate political entity operating under its own rules. And yes, along the way we also covered healthcare mandates, the “nanny state,” public-sector insolvency, BART, COVID-era government overreach, and why California’s political leadership still refuses to seriously discuss the state’s long-term fiscal reality. Want To Watch A Particular Part? 00:00 — Welcome, Introducing Will Swaim, And His Political Evolution05:56 — Radio Free California, California Policy Center, & Government Union Power07:35 — The California Governor’s Race And The “Clusterfuckistan Debate”13:01 — Xavier Becerra, Government Spending, And California’s Fiscal Crisis13:49 — Homelessness, Civil Society, Tocqueville, And The Growth Of Government21:05 — Reagan, Mental Health Policy, Origins Of CA’s Modern Homelessness Crisis23:23 — Republican Strategy, Steve Hilton, And The Top-Two Problem28:29 — Healthcare, And Government Control Over Personal Behavior31:01 — Illegal Immigration, Sanctuary-State Policies, And CA Versus Federal Law33:11 — SEIU, Union Incentives, And The Politics Of Illegal Immigration35:25 — National Security, Border Policy, And California As An “Open Door” State39:02 — Selective Enforcement Of Laws And El Cajon’s Lawsuit Against California Get more at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Jon Fleischman watched the latest California governor’s debate and came away with one clear conclusion: the status quo won. The debate was chaotic, crowded, and largely unhelpful for voters trying to figure out who should lead California. The moderators raised serious issues, but the format allowed candidates to talk over each other, interrupt, chase soundbites, and turn the evening into a political food fight. In this immediate post-debate commentary, Jon breaks down why the format failed, why voters deserved better, and why California’s dominant political class continues to offer the same answers to nearly every problem: more taxes, more fees, more regulation, more spending, and more government control. He also gives quick reactions to several of the candidates on stage, including Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Antonio Villaraigosa, Steve Hilton, and Chad Bianco. This episode is blunt, animated, and recorded right after the debate. Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro warning and setup00:45 — Immediate reaction to the debate01:43 — The status quo problem in California03:18 — The moderators lost control04:11 — Why the debate failed voters05:00 — A better debate format05:17 — Why soundbite politics is the problem06:11 — Candidate-by-candidate reactions06:38 — Katie Porter’s debate style07:01 — Tom Steyer and big-government economics08:06 — Xavier Becerra and Medicare for All08:50 — Homelessness and big government10:20 — Who looked like adults on stage10:36 — Matt Mahan’s challenge11:03 — What voters should have heard11:42 — The definition of political insanity12:31 — Why people leave blue states12:53 — Final thoughts Get a whole lot more at So, Does It Matter? Online!