Alexei Koseff
@akoseff.bsky.social
Keeping an eye on all things California in Washington DC for the San Francisco Chronicle. Reach me at [email protected]
Pinned
A Florida senator wants answers on the Palisades Fire. What’s he really after?
Why does a former Florida governor whose experience is mostly with hurricanes care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
www.sfchronicle.com
Why does a Florida senator care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
At times, it felt like a sitcom, @joegarofoli.bsky.social writes: A progressive Marin congressman trying to woo Trump-loving locals in California’s MAGA-iest corner.
“I don’t think I’m going to make the mistake of trying to cover it in an electric vehicle.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joe...
“I don’t think I’m going to make the mistake of trying to cover it in an electric vehicle.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joe...
In his radically redrawn new district, a Marin congressman gets thrown to the wolves
A progressive congressman from Marin County is trying to win reelection in a place so right-leaning that the Democratic Party doesn’t even have a local chapter.
www.sfchronicle.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:05 PM
At times, it felt like a sitcom, @joegarofoli.bsky.social writes: A progressive Marin congressman trying to woo Trump-loving locals in California’s MAGA-iest corner.
“I don’t think I’m going to make the mistake of trying to cover it in an electric vehicle.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joe...
“I don’t think I’m going to make the mistake of trying to cover it in an electric vehicle.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joe...
Nick Shirley started showing up to Somali-run day cares in San Diego over the weekend, @saradinatale.bsky.social reports
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Right-wing influencers have descended on Somali day care centers in this California community
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Somali community in San Diego feels “under siege” with the arrival of right-wing provocateurs seeking to replicate fraud allegations that kicked off unrest in...
www.sfchronicle.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Nick Shirley started showing up to Somali-run day cares in San Diego over the weekend, @saradinatale.bsky.social reports
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
The Senate passed a budget deal tonight to avert a lengthy govt shutdown by temporarily funding Homeland Security as negotiations over accountability measures for ICE continue.
Both California senators, @padilla.senate.gov and @schiff.senate.gov, voted no over objections to ICE funding.
Both California senators, @padilla.senate.gov and @schiff.senate.gov, voted no over objections to ICE funding.
January 31, 2026 at 12:09 AM
The Senate passed a budget deal tonight to avert a lengthy govt shutdown by temporarily funding Homeland Security as negotiations over accountability measures for ICE continue.
Both California senators, @padilla.senate.gov and @schiff.senate.gov, voted no over objections to ICE funding.
Both California senators, @padilla.senate.gov and @schiff.senate.gov, voted no over objections to ICE funding.
It's not every day that you quote a spokesperson insisting "it's not about a blowjob." @sophiabollag.bsky.social examines Newsom's recent turn to sexual insults: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
From kneepads to Grindr, Newsom’s latest Trump-inspired insults have gotten downright sexual
The kneepad jokes are not intended to be sexual, a Gavin Newsom spokesperson says. But a lot of people, from online commentators to scholars who study political rhetoric, aren’t buying that.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM
It's not every day that you quote a spokesperson insisting "it's not about a blowjob." @sophiabollag.bsky.social examines Newsom's recent turn to sexual insults: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
As rumors swirl about an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area during the Super Bowl, local officials including SF Mayor Daniel Lurie told the Chronicle they are not expecting anything out of the ordinary
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Bay Area officials don’t expect an ICE surge tied to the Super Bowl
Top Bay Area officials told the Chronicle don’t expect more federal agents present than is standard for a massive sporting event.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:53 PM
As rumors swirl about an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area during the Super Bowl, local officials including SF Mayor Daniel Lurie told the Chronicle they are not expecting anything out of the ordinary
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
The bitter partisan feud over the Los Angeles fires continues to intensify in Washington more than a year after the deadly disaster, with federal funding for the recovery at stake: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Trump, GOP leaders ramp up attacks over Palisades Fire as California wildfire aid sits in limbo
The partisan feud over the deadly Los Angeles wildfires intensifies, with President Trump and congressional Republicans ramping up attacks on California and local response.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:20 PM
The bitter partisan feud over the Los Angeles fires continues to intensify in Washington more than a year after the deadly disaster, with federal funding for the recovery at stake: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
After President Trump issued his permitting EO yesterday, I asked the White House if he would support supplement disaster aid for the Los Angeles fires.
“Newscum doesn’t need more money, Californians need relief,” a spokesperson said.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“Newscum doesn’t need more money, Californians need relief,” a spokesperson said.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Trump, GOP leaders ramp up attacks over Palisades Fire as California wildfire aid sits in limbo
The partisan feud over the deadly Los Angeles wildfires intensifies, with President Trump and congressional Republicans ramping up attacks on California and local response.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:08 PM
After President Trump issued his permitting EO yesterday, I asked the White House if he would support supplement disaster aid for the Los Angeles fires.
“Newscum doesn’t need more money, Californians need relief,” a spokesperson said.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“Newscum doesn’t need more money, Californians need relief,” a spokesperson said.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
All 43 California House Democrats voted Thursday against the homeland security funding bill, as the party ramps up its push to rein in ICE amid growing public outrage over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
House approves $10 billion in ICE funding as calls to rein in the agency grow
Further escalating their push to rein in ICE, House Democrats voted overwhelmingly to oppose funding for the federal agency, ramping up pressure on the Senate ahead of a critical deadline.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:27 AM
All 43 California House Democrats voted Thursday against the homeland security funding bill, as the party ramps up its push to rein in ICE amid growing public outrage over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
After the brutal 49ers loss last weekend, @pelosi.house.gov fulfills a wager with @repdelbene.bsky.social with a basket of San Francisco treats (including Ghirardelli chocolates) and an “I love California” mug that DelBene said she won’t be using.
January 22, 2026 at 10:26 PM
After the brutal 49ers loss last weekend, @pelosi.house.gov fulfills a wager with @repdelbene.bsky.social with a basket of San Francisco treats (including Ghirardelli chocolates) and an “I love California” mug that DelBene said she won’t be using.
"In my time being a Democrat, I have agreed that no one is above the law," @replsimon.bsky.social said. "I believe that the committee deserved to hear from the president. I believe that that should have happened."
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Why a Bay Area Democrat joined with Republicans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt
Rep. Lateefah Simon voted with Republicans to hold the former president in contempt for ignoring a subpoena related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:41 PM
"In my time being a Democrat, I have agreed that no one is above the law," @replsimon.bsky.social said. "I believe that the committee deserved to hear from the president. I believe that that should have happened."
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
@joereid.bsky.social Wicked: For THOB?
January 22, 2026 at 1:52 PM
@joereid.bsky.social Wicked: For THOB?
In today's print @sfchronicle.com:
A new federal law aims to reopen path to reunification for families divided by the Korean War. Though relations with North Korea are at a low, it's the last, best shot for many Korean Americans near the end of their lives.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A new federal law aims to reopen path to reunification for families divided by the Korean War. Though relations with North Korea are at a low, it's the last, best shot for many Korean Americans near the end of their lives.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
January 21, 2026 at 5:13 PM
In today's print @sfchronicle.com:
A new federal law aims to reopen path to reunification for families divided by the Korean War. Though relations with North Korea are at a low, it's the last, best shot for many Korean Americans near the end of their lives.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A new federal law aims to reopen path to reunification for families divided by the Korean War. Though relations with North Korea are at a low, it's the last, best shot for many Korean Americans near the end of their lives.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Chang Soon Lee last saw his father when he was 15, before his family fled south during the Korean War.
“I don’t know when, how he, if he died,” Lee said. “We have lived with that pain.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“I don’t know when, how he, if he died,” Lee said. “We have lived with that pain.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A new law could help reunite Korean families separated by war. But time is running out
A new law represents one of the most concrete steps the United States has taken to bring divided Korean families back together.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Chang Soon Lee last saw his father when he was 15, before his family fled south during the Korean War.
“I don’t know when, how he, if he died,” Lee said. “We have lived with that pain.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“I don’t know when, how he, if he died,” Lee said. “We have lived with that pain.”
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
More than 70 years ago, millions of Korean families were separated by war and politics.
As these "divided family" members near the end of their lives, the U.S. will create a registry of Korean Americans who want to reunite with loved ones in North Korea:
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
As these "divided family" members near the end of their lives, the U.S. will create a registry of Korean Americans who want to reunite with loved ones in North Korea:
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A new law could help reunite Korean families separated by war. But time is running out
A new law represents one of the most concrete steps the United States has taken to bring divided Korean families back together.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:55 PM
More than 70 years ago, millions of Korean families were separated by war and politics.
As these "divided family" members near the end of their lives, the U.S. will create a registry of Korean Americans who want to reunite with loved ones in North Korea:
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
As these "divided family" members near the end of their lives, the U.S. will create a registry of Korean Americans who want to reunite with loved ones in North Korea:
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
As some progressives resume calls to “abolish ICE,” Democratic leaders in Congress are instead emphasizing restraint — urging more control, accountability, oversight, standards — perhaps as much for their party as the officers in the streets.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Democrats are pushing ICE reform – but they’re still haunted by the last battle
Democrats believe they’ve found the right way to highlight the agency’s abuses of power.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM
As some progressives resume calls to “abolish ICE,” Democratic leaders in Congress are instead emphasizing restraint — urging more control, accountability, oversight, standards — perhaps as much for their party as the officers in the streets.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A divided federal court upheld Prop 50, ruling that congressional maps were legally drawn for political purposes and not as an act of racial discrimination, as Republicans contended.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Court greenlights Prop 50 for 2026 election, denying GOP bid to block new maps
The congressional map approved by California voters to boost the number of House Democrats was upheld Wednesday by a divided federal court.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:27 PM
A divided federal court upheld Prop 50, ruling that congressional maps were legally drawn for political purposes and not as an act of racial discrimination, as Republicans contended.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Another threat yesterday by Trump to pull funding from sanctuary cities and states would violate repeated court rulings that he cannot do that
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Trump again vows to yank funds from sanctuary cities. In S.F., he’d be violating a court order
President Trump declared he would cut off funds to sanctuary cities and states on Feb. 1. A court order in place in San Francisco since April forbids the Trump administration from doing so.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Another threat yesterday by Trump to pull funding from sanctuary cities and states would violate repeated court rulings that he cannot do that
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Thousands of signatures and half a year away from the possibility of a vote, a proposed one-time tax on California billionaires is already unleashing chaos in state politics, @saralibby.bsky.social writes: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A California billionaires tax hasn’t yet qualified for the ballot. But it’s already unleashing chaos
Billionaires are panicking and spreading misinformation about a proposed wealth tax. Here’s how it would work and who’s really behind it.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Thousands of signatures and half a year away from the possibility of a vote, a proposed one-time tax on California billionaires is already unleashing chaos in state politics, @saralibby.bsky.social writes: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Newsom will call for legislation to crack down on investment companies buying starter homes in his final State of the State speech today, @sophiabollag.bsky.social reports.
Trump posted about a similar effort on Truth Social yesterday.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Trump posted about a similar effort on Truth Social yesterday.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Gavin Newsom’s last State of the State will tout homelessness drop, attack Trump
Newsom plans to announce that California regions are reporting a 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness in the last year.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Newsom will call for legislation to crack down on investment companies buying starter homes in his final State of the State speech today, @sophiabollag.bsky.social reports.
Trump posted about a similar effort on Truth Social yesterday.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Trump posted about a similar effort on Truth Social yesterday.
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
In today's print @sfchronicle.com: How Spencer Pratt inspired a Florida senator to investigate the Palisades Fire, the presidential politics that have California leaders dismissing it as a political stunt, and why angry Palisadians are on board anyway
🎁 link: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
🎁 link: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
January 8, 2026 at 4:04 PM
In today's print @sfchronicle.com: How Spencer Pratt inspired a Florida senator to investigate the Palisades Fire, the presidential politics that have California leaders dismissing it as a political stunt, and why angry Palisadians are on board anyway
🎁 link: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
🎁 link: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Updated with the news that Spencer Pratt, whose advocacy prompted this congressional investigation, has announced today he's running for Los Angeles mayor
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Updated with the news that Spencer Pratt, whose advocacy prompted this congressional investigation, has announced today he's running for Los Angeles mayor
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Alexei Koseff
A Florida senator wants answers on the Palisades Fire. What’s he really after?
@akoseff.bsky.social looks into Rick Scott's interest in the CA fire (and spoiler alert, it involves Spencer Pratt)
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
@akoseff.bsky.social looks into Rick Scott's interest in the CA fire (and spoiler alert, it involves Spencer Pratt)
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A Florida senator wants answers on the Palisades Fire. What’s he really after?
Why does a former Florida governor whose experience is mostly with hurricanes care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
www.sfchronicle.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:44 PM
A Florida senator wants answers on the Palisades Fire. What’s he really after?
@akoseff.bsky.social looks into Rick Scott's interest in the CA fire (and spoiler alert, it involves Spencer Pratt)
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
@akoseff.bsky.social looks into Rick Scott's interest in the CA fire (and spoiler alert, it involves Spencer Pratt)
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
Southern California House members renew their call for supplemental disaster aid on first anniversary of Los Angeles fires
@reptedlieu.bsky.social said President Trump is trying to punish Democratic communities by refusing to provide assistance
“He said help was coming. He lied,” Lieu said
@reptedlieu.bsky.social said President Trump is trying to punish Democratic communities by refusing to provide assistance
“He said help was coming. He lied,” Lieu said
January 7, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Southern California House members renew their call for supplemental disaster aid on first anniversary of Los Angeles fires
@reptedlieu.bsky.social said President Trump is trying to punish Democratic communities by refusing to provide assistance
“He said help was coming. He lied,” Lieu said
@reptedlieu.bsky.social said President Trump is trying to punish Democratic communities by refusing to provide assistance
“He said help was coming. He lied,” Lieu said
The entire California congressional delegation, including Democrats and Republicans, sent a letter to President Trump today asking him to "ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance": www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
www.padilla.senate.gov
January 7, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The entire California congressional delegation, including Democrats and Republicans, sent a letter to President Trump today asking him to "ensure the communities of Southern California receive their fair share of federal disaster assistance": www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Why does a Florida senator care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
A Florida senator wants answers on the Palisades Fire. What’s he really after?
Why does a former Florida governor whose experience is mostly with hurricanes care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
www.sfchronicle.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Why does a Florida senator care so much about one fire that took place across the country?
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...
“In this job, you get to focus on things that are important to you,” Sen. Rick Scott said. “Disasters are important.”
Could it ever be so simple in politics in 2026?
www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...