Dan Walters delivers sharp, experience-driven insights into California’s political landscape shaped by nearly six decades in journalism.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
"The two associations Dan spoke to were blown away with how knowledgeable he was and how he was able to convey what's going on in Sacramento in easy to understand comments for people who are not immersed in politics every day."
Tracy Morgan Hollingworth MPA CAE
Morgan Hollingworth Public Affairs & Association Management
Dan Walters is one of the most prominent voices on California politics, known for nearly six decades of reporting shaped by direct access to the state’s power centers. He became the nation’s youngest daily newspaper editor at 22 and has spent virtually his entire career covering California’s political, economic and social shifts. Since joining The Sacramento Union’s Capitol bureau in 1975, he has followed every governor, policy battle and major realignment inside the Capitol. His daily column, launched in 1981, remains a defining source for readers across the state and continues today at CALmatters. As a speaker, he brings clarity, history and seasoned judgment to audiences seeking a deeper understanding of how California really works.
Dan Walters has reported on the forces shaping California for nearly 60 years, making him one of the most knowledgeable guides to the state’s political identity. His career began at an age when most reporters are still learning the basics of the craft. At 22, he became the youngest daily newspaper editor in the nation, quickly establishing a reputation for precision, depth and a sharp eye for power dynamics. His move to The Sacramento Union’s Capitol bureau in 1975 placed him at the heart of state politics during Jerry Brown’s first governorship, a period marked by innovation, conflict and shifting political coalitions. Walters later led the bureau, building a strong reputation for coverage that connected policy decisions to the lives of Californians.
In 1981, he launched the state’s first and only daily newspaper column dedicated entirely to California political, economic and social affairs. The column became a must-read for lawmakers, policy influencers and citizens seeking an unfiltered look at what was happening inside government. When he moved to The Sacramento Bee in 1984, the column expanded its reach, becoming one of the most widely circulated political commentaries in the state. In 2017, Walters and his column shifted to CALmatters.org, a nonprofit newsroom focused on California public policy, where his work continues to reach readers in dozens of newspapers.
Walters’ expertise extends beyond journalism. His 1986 book The New California: Facing the 21st Century captured the state’s demographic and political transformation at a pivotal moment. The book later expanded through revisions and became a widely used college textbook, valued for its ability to distill complex socioeconomic trends into accessible analysis. He also served as founding editor of the California Political Almanac, a major reference work used by scholars, students and political professionals. As co-author of The Third House: Lobbyists, Money, and Power in Sacramento, published by the University of California, he examined the influence of interest groups and campaign finance in shaping outcomes inside the Capitol.
These works are known for clarity, depth and objectivity qualities that define his voice as a speaker. Walters helps audiences understand not only what decisions were made, but why they were made, and how they fit into California’s broader historical arc.
Over the decades, Walters has become a regular presence on major news networks including CNN and Fox. His commentary provides national audiences with grounded context about a state whose political choices often influence wider trends. With more than 9,000 articles written, he remains one of the most published political journalists in California’s history. His long view allows him to draw connections between administrations, legislative eras and policy cycles in a way that few others can match.
Booking Dan Walters brings depth, clarity and seasoned insight to any event focused on government, public policy, journalism or the forces shaping California’s future. He delivers engaging storytelling rooted in lived experience—decades inside press rooms, hearings, campaigns and Capitol corridors. His perspective helps audiences see the long-term patterns shaping the state and understand the decisions that drive political outcomes today. For organizations seeking a speaker who can illuminate California’s complex landscape with authority and directness, Dan Walters is a compelling and trusted choice.
5 of 5
"The two associations Dan spoke to were blown away with how knowledgeable he was and how he was able to convey what's going on in Sacramento in easy to understand comments for people who are not immersed in politics every day."
Tracy Morgan Hollingworth MPA CAE Morgan Hollingworth Public Affairs & Association Management
5 of 5
“Dan was very informative and concise with his messaging. He spoke on exactly the topics we needed him to.”
Ferrah McKeown Bay Area Mobility Management
5 of 5
“Dan Walters has spoken at many of our conferences, and always does a great job.”
Caitlin Cole League of California Cities
5 of 5
“Dan Walters was in top form when he spoke at our conference recently in Monterey. His was provocative, informative, and knowledgeable about California politics, and his presentation received an "A" from our people. His insight into the future was received well and his personal experiences provided my guests with some of the best political commentary in 30 years. We will certainly consider him again at a future conference/meeting.”
Bill Mattos, President California Poultry Federation
Keynote by Dan Walters:
Are you struggling to make sense of California’s shifting political landscape and what it means for your organization’s future?
A keynote by Dan Walters cuts through the noise with clarity shaped by nearly six decades inside the state’s power centers. He translates complex political, economic and social trends into actionable insight your audience can use immediately.
Dan’s deep historical perspective, sharp analysis and unmatched familiarity with lawmakers, policy battles and long-term state dynamics give leaders a clear vantage point in an environment that often feels unpredictable. His keynotes don’t just inform—they equip audiences to anticipate change, understand motivations behind major decisions and navigate the forces shaping California’s direction.
If your event needs a speaker who brings credibility, context and guidance your audience can trust, Dan Walters delivers real value where it matters most.
Dan Walters talks about the following topics:
Backroom Politics: The Inside Story of Lobbying in California
The State of California: Past, Present and Future
How Interests Win and Lose in the Political Arena
California’s Economic and Political Future
Planning and Financing Public Works in an Era of Polarized Politics
Political Climate in an Election Year
Watch Dan Walters in action
