E82: CA Syndicated Opinion Columnist Dan Walters on California Politics, Economy, and a Way Forward

In this very special episode of Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar travels to Sacramento to meet with Dan Walters, one of California’s most syndicated columnists and author. He has covered the state’s political scene since 1975, spending over 33 years at the Sacramento Bee, and currently writes for CalMatters. 

Dan shares his insights on California’s evolution from a Republican-leaning to a solidly Democratic state, shaped by shifts in industry and demographics. He highlights the state’s heavy reliance on high-income taxpayers, which makes its budget vulnerable to economic swings and delves into pressing issues—like education, transportation, and housing affordability—that jeopardize its future. 

With over 50 years in journalism and four books on California’s politics, Dan brings a seasoned perspective on the policies shaping the state's economic and political trajectory.