In 2026, the Public Affairs program at the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) expanded its presence one lawmaker at a time in the California legislature. Backed by a strong collaborative team, including CAP staff, state and federal lobbyists, and a coalition-building political consultant, we have sharpened our approach to advocacy and deepened our engagement with state legislators on the issues that matter most to independent physicians.
Over the years, CAP has advanced its advocacy work through the commitment of physician members serving on state and federal political action committees who represent their colleagues before lawmakers in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
These physicians have been more active than ever, weighing in on key Assembly and Senate races across California and connecting directly with legislators at various events throughout the state.
Since March, the Public Affairs team has also met with various state legislators in Sacramento to discuss the growing challenges facing independent medical practices, including administrative burdens, reimbursement pressures, and workforce shortages that are threatening access to quality patient care. These conversations have emphasized an often-overlooked reality: independent practices are small businesses and employers whose financial viability directly affects community health and local economies. By sharing these perspectives, CAP is helping to ensure that the voices of independent physicians, their patients, and the communities they serve remain part of the policymaking process.
With the legislative session set to conclude on August 31, 2026, CAP's Public Affairs team is focused on providing lawmakers on both sides of the aisle with firsthand insights into the challenges impacting California's independent physicians. These efforts are central to our mission to build stronger relationships and continue to create meaningful opportunities for state legislators to engage directly with California’s independent physician community.
Gabriela Villanueva is CAP’s Government and External Affairs Analyst. Questions or comments related to this article should be directed to GVillanueva@CAPphysicians.com.