Phil Willon is an assistant editor based in the Sacramento bureau of the Los Angeles Times and guides coverage of California politics and assists with state capital coverage. He previously covered Gov. Gavin Newsom, the 2018 governor’s race and the 2016 U.S. Senate race. Before heading north, Willon covered Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and roamed Southern California’s mountains and deserts as the newsroom’s state correspondent in the Inland Empire. Prior to joining The Times, Willon served as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for the Tampa Tribune. At the Tribune, Willon also covered Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, Hurricane Andrew and the investigation leading to the arrest of serial killer Danny Rolling. He began his newspaper career as the Kent Island correspondent for the Capital in Annapolis, Md. Willon grew up in Southern California and graduated from UC San Diego.
Latest From This Author
The wide-open race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor has already attracted a large and diverse field of candidates.
Nov. 11, 2024
On Monday night in San Francisco, the top four candidates in the race squared off in their second debate, spending an hour fielding some pretty cutting questions — including whether they thought President Biden and former President Trump were too old to run.
Feb. 15, 2024
U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s departure provides a rare opportunity for an ambitious California Republican to seek higher office.
Dec. 11, 2023
California Gov. Gavin Newsom headed to New York this week to talk up his administration’s efforts to combat climate change, and to take a swing or two at Republicans.
Sept. 21, 2023
DeSantis needed a big night during Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate to revive his sagging campaign — and that didn’t happen. Will debating Newsom provide a jolt?
Aug. 24, 2023
California remains a very popular destination for a certain class of Americans: politicians seeking campaign cash.
June 22, 2023
Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban assault weapons, among other gun control measures.
June 8, 2023
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has been recuperating in San Francisco, creating problems in Washington.
April 13, 2023
According to police, the bicyclist was riding westbound on Spring Street and went around the railway crossing arms near the tracks when he was struck by the train.
Dec. 31, 2022
A French bulldog was stolen while on a walk with its owner in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Dec. 31, 2022