ICYMI - 5 Stories And One Video From Last Week, And Other Stuff…
The “So, Does It Mater” Substack featured a lot of great, original content this past week. Below are the highlights! But first I treat you to this amazing home-made image. Exciting news!
First and foremost, our momentum here continues to grow, thanks to YOU, our loyal readers and subscribers! You can see in the graphic above that we made a great top chart on Substack - and have sustained it. You get on that chart one way - volume of subscriber sign ups! We have had a tremendous response to opening up our new paid subscription level, and I have been humbled at the collective commitment to supporting this kind of independent, conservative journalism. THANK YOU!!
This Sunday column is always free to all subscribers, and those who come and visit the Substack page. As with all of our free content, there will be something “extra” at the bottom of this post just for paid subscribers. FOMO? Come on in. We’ve had a tremendous number of people, after seeing consistent, in depth analysis and commentary for months, decide that $5/mo or $50/year is a great bargain to unlock 40% of our content. Please jump in, the water’s warm!
RIP - SAM PAREDES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GUN OWNERS OF CALIFORNIA
The news of my friend Sam Paredes’ passing hit hard. Sam, likely in his late 60s, was too young to go. Known as the leader of Gun Owners of California and a key figure in Gun Owners of America, Sam was my go-to for Second Amendment discussions. We met in the 1990s when I was President of the California Republican Assembly, with Sam on my Board. Our friendship endured, marked by passionate strategy debates that sharpened my leadership. A steadfast conservative, Sam’s loyalty was unmatched—he’d back you in any fight. My condolences to his wife, Laurie, their family, and the GOC/GOA community. Sam will be missed.
Two Links Worth Clicking
POLITICO TAKES A DEEP-DIVE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LOOK AT HOW NEWSOM’S REDISTRICTING THREAT BECAME REAL, AND IS NOW COMING TO VOTERS IN NOVEMBER
In this longer piece by Politico, drawing from interviews with 50 individuals involved, they uncover how this plan came together and was executed. Understated in this piece is the absolute truth — partisan Democrats who have controlled the levers of government in this state for generations opposed the efforts that created the California Redistricting Commission in the first place. It doesn’t seem to me that it would be that hard for people who have absolute power in the State Capitol to make a power move to dump five GOP House seats before the 2026 election. It’s worth the read here. (Charles Munger, Jr., has already put $10 million into an effort to oppose the plan, so “bonus” link to another Politico link.)
A STUDY SHOWS CAMPAIGN DONORS ARE… AGING… BY A LOT
And this is just interesting to me. Our officeholders an are getting older, which doesn’t surprise me. But the donors are getting even older, still!
Okay, the week that was on the “So, Does It Matter?” Substack!
Top Ten Winners & Losers In California Politics This Week
Each Friday, we present a sharp round-up of California’s most noteworthy political performances—spotlighting the week’s biggest winners and losers, spotlighting Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo’s bold stand and Mayor Barbara Lee’s missteps. From redistricting battles to voter registration woes, dive into the highs and lows shaping the state’s political landscape.
California Patriot Profile: U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez
U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, is a steadfast defender of constitutional rights. From striking down California’s gun laws to protecting free speech, his rulings safeguard individual liberty, drawing on his journey from Cuba to the federal bench.
We Introduced A New Paid Subscription Level - With A Huge Discount!
So, Does It Matter? unveils a budget-friendly subscription tier, costing $5/month or $50/year through September 2, with rates locked in forever. This super-sale includes a 7-day free trial, granting access to premium California politics content. Subscribers enjoy exclusive columns, profiles, commentary and analysis, delivering sharp insights and engagement opportunities for an unparalleled value in understanding the state’s political landscape. 60% of the site’s content is free. But you want to get it all!
New York Times: Democrats Nationally Face Voter Registration Crisis
A New York Times deep dive reveals Democrats’ alarming voter registration decline nationwide. Since 2020, Republicans have gained a 4.5 million voter swing, exposing Democrats’ brand problem and mobilization struggles as they face critical upcoming elections. I wrote all about it.
By the way, my friend Chris Cillizza (independent media guy, former Roll Call/CNN/WaPost) has a good video commentary on this. You’ll find it further below.
Gavin Newsom’s Big Risk — He’s All In On Redistricting in California. If it pays off… His position will be strong. If he fails, it could be fatal…
We look at Gavin Newsom’s bold 2028 strategy, betting big on a gambit to reshape California’s political map. Aiming for Democratic gains, this risky move could secure a win or backfire spectacularly, impacting his national ambitions. Newsom’s strategy has been to be the “anti-Trump” - and this is where it led.
IF YOU ARE OVERCOME WITH FOMO? - it may be because while we have highlighted five posts from last week — there were actually 13 different original items published on So, Does It Matter? Click to the main page below and scroll down to see anything you may have missed!
ONE VIDEO!
Interview Of The Week: Congressman Kevin Kiley - We Talk About Newsom’s Big Gerrymandering Play for California.
With everything going on with Gavin Newsom and self-dealing Legislative Leaders pushing their plans to put a mid-decade extreme, partisan set of new U.S. House lines for California in front of voters, complete with a false and misleading ballot title and question — it seemed like a good idea to get with our friend and U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley to talk about it.
This interview lasts about 19 minutes, and I hope you enjoy it. In fact, please share it! If you’re watching it here on Substack, please like it and re-stack it — which is quite helpful!
Do you have someone you think I should interview? Just hit reply to this e-mail or message me via the button right here to make any suggestion!
Up above, I linked to a piece I wrote earlier in the week, looking at a deep dive the New York Times did on national voter registration trends, and doing some analysis, not pretty for Democrats. My friend Chris Cillizza, an independent journalist, recorded a video analysis on the same topic. (Invariably, everyone will like some things he says and dislike others - I feel his pain.) Worth your time…
Do you have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)? Go to the main page via the link below, and click on “Posts” — and see what you may have missed!
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ONE BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE CHAPPELLE!
In honor of the very irreverent comedian, we’ll post up a segment that got Dave in hot water with, as he puts it, the “Alphabet People”… Do NOT watch this if you are easy offended.
If you are enjoying So, Does It Matter?, share it with a friend or two!
Have a great Sunday!
Jon