Who Really Runs California?

I want to flag that this afternoon’s special feature examines the rise of California’s most powerful political machine—and explains why understanding it changes the way you see state government.

It Is Not Just Another Afternoon Post

At 1:30 p.m. today, watch your inbox.

I’m publishing one of the most important essays I’ve written since launching So, Does It Matter? It’s not about one politician, one election, one scandal or one budget fight.

It’s about who really runs California.

For decades, public employee unions have built a political machine that reaches into Sacramento, city halls, county governments and school districts across the state. They help elect the officials they negotiate with. They shape budgets, pensions, labor laws and education policy. And taxpayers are usually the last ones invited into the room.

This essay traces how that system was built, how it protects itself and why California keeps producing the same results no matter how many elections come and go.

It’s called The Closed Loop.

⏱️ Read time: About 15 minutes.

I think it’s one of the most important things I’ve written, and I hope you’ll make time to read it this afternoon.