A CalMatters analysis found that California’s campaign watchdog has sometimes taken years to resolve cases — exposing violations or exonerating politicians only after they left office or won an election. The California Fair Political Practices Commission polices campaign and ethics violations statewide and in local races. While the historically backlogged agency has worked to expedite enforcement, advocates, officials and past and current commissioners say delayed actions can diminish public trust in the state’s ability to prosecute corruption effectively. Commission Chairperson Adam E. Silver says a new policy has decreased the backlog, and the agency has added staff and streamlined enforcement to free up resources for more serious violations.