So, Does It Matter? - on CA Politics - Podcasts!

For our first podcast interview of the year, Jon Fleischman is joined by Katy Grimes, Editor-in-Chief of the California Globe, for a timely and substantive discussion of California politics at a moment of real upheaval.

The conversation opens with an extended discussion of the sudden passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, reflecting on his life, legacy, and the shock his death sent through California and Washington. Jon and Katy discuss LaMalfa’s role representing the rural North State, his focus on water and agriculture, and what his absence means for an already razor-thin Republican majority in the U.S. House.

From there, the episode examines the immediate political consequences of LaMalfa’s death, including the mechanics of a special election, the impact of California’s newly approved redistricting maps, and how a once solidly Republican district is being transformed under the new lines.

The conversation then broadens to other major developments shaping California politics, including large-scale government fraud across multiple state agencies, increasing federal scrutiny, and a lack of accountability within Sacramento’s political leadership. Jon and Katy also look ahead to the 2026 election cycle, assessing Governor Gavin Newsom’s vulnerabilities, the emerging gubernatorial field, and why California’s political environment may be entering a far more volatile phase.

This episode blends breaking news, political analysis, and forward-looking insight at the start of a consequential year.

Katy Grimes

Editor-in-Chief, California Globe

Jon Fleischman

Publisher, SoDoesItMatter.com