Overview:
California became the 31st state on 9 September 1850.
With a 2004 population of 35,893,799, California is overwhelmingly multicultural, with only 59.5% of the population classified as white.
The largest minority (32.4% ) is Hispanic/Latino, followed by Asian (10.9%).
Very little of the population (841,516) is classified as rural.
The state is much more densely populated than the nation, with 217.2 persons per square mile versus 79.6.
(Census, USDA)
Presidential Votes:
2004 : Kerry (D) 54.3%, Bush (R) 44.4%
2000 : Gore (D) 53%, Bush (R) 41%, Nader (I) 3%
1996 : Clinton (D) 51%, Dole (R) 38%, Perot (I) 7%
Federal Representation:
California has 53 US Representatives and two US Senators.
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-2006) - first elected in 1992
- Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-2010) - first elected in 1993
- List of US Representatives
State Government:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (DR was elected in 2003, in a
special election and is up for re-election in 2006. The Lt. Governor, Cruz M. Bustamante (D), is also up for re-election; he is the first Latino elected to California statewide office since 1878.
The capitol is Sacramento; the state legislature has 40 seats in the Senate and 80 seats in the Assembly. Democrats hold a majority in both chambers.
The capitol is Sacramento; the state legislature has 40 seats in the Senate and 80 seats in the Assembly. Democrats hold a majority in both chambers.