Prof. Pitney was quoted in an Associated Press piece on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s temporary appointment of Laphonza Butler, a former union leader and Democratic insider for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s vacant seat. He shared, in reference to the Governor’s choice, “…a comfort level is important. Any governor might be a little hesitant about somebody with too many degrees of separation.”

Prof. Minxin Pei was quoted in an article on China’s president, Xi Jinping and the question of whether or not he is currently weak or powerful. Prof. Pei shared, “…objectively speaking, Xi is not doing well. But in terms of his control of the levers of power, he remains unassailable. He is not acting out of strength, but out of insecurity. You can have a leader who faces no real threat but nevertheless behaves as if he is in danger.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was mentioned in a piece by The Fresno Bee Editorial Board regarding the California Republican party’s support of former President Donald Trump. He noted that the Republican party that used to win statewide contests in California is long gone.

Prof. Andrew Busch was quoted in a piece on the topic of consequential deaths in Congress in light of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death. He shared insight on the 1930 midterm elections, in which Republicans narrowly won. However, with the deaths of 14 representatives-elect, the Democrats were able to flip the House, which, according to Prof. Busch, “…established the groundwork for the New Deal.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece about Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s approach to avoid a government shutdown. He stated, “The calculation would be that Democrats dislike him but they would dislike his successor even more. That would be a bold, risky move that would be very much out of character for Kevin McCarthy. But that’s the only path forward that I see where he actually comes out looking good. He might survive. But survival is a relative term. He’ll be spoiled goods.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece about President Donald Trump courting California GOP voters. He shared, “…a lot of party professionals understand that Trump and Trumpists cannot win statewide elections, but the party base is different.”

Prof. Jack Pitney joined the KCAL 9 News team to discuss the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s accomplishments, character, final days and possible successor. 

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece on the rise of Sen. Alex Padilla to the position of senior senator of California following Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death. Prof. Pitney was asked about Sen. Feinstein’s successor stating, “…a lot will depend on how experienced that person is.”