At a press conference in Los Angeles on March 21, 2024, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, known for his staunch opposition to former President Donald Trump, announced on Thursday, November 7, that he is urging state lawmakers to gather for a special session in December. This session aims to fortify California’s progressive policies in anticipation of another Trump presidency, a move echoed by attorneys general from several Democratic-run states soon to follow suit.
This strategic announcement comes just a day after Trump secured a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election, rekindling the spirit of California’s resistance against the conservative measures that were initiated during Trump’s first term. The urgency is palpable as Democratic leaders in the state mobilize once more to counter potential conservative overreach.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack – and we won’t sit idle,” Newsom declared emphatically in a statement. “California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared to fight in the courts, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
In a bid to make California’s laws resilient against federal challenges posed by a Trump administration, Newsom’s announcement emphasized the need for increased funding for the state’s attorney general’s office. The objective is clear: to equip them with the resources needed to effectively confront any legal battles that may arise when the Legislature convenes next month.
California’s proactive stance is part of a broader movement among Democratic officials nationwide who are strategizing on how to protect key policies likely to face serious threats during Trump’s anticipated presidency. Other blue states are also rapidly developing comprehensive plans to safeguard their progressive policies, bracing themselves for what is expected to be a more aggressive encounter, particularly with the potential Republican control of both the Senate and House.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are coordinating regular meetings to align their legal strategies, reflecting a collective effort among Democratic states. “Our team will do whatever we have to do to identify any possible threats to these rights that we hold dear in the state of New York and protect New Yorkers,” Hochul stated at a news conference Wednesday. She also announced the formation of a task force dedicated to addressing critical areas likely to face anti-progressive threats under Trump, focusing on issues such as reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, labor rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental justice.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who previously challenged Trump through numerous lawsuits as the state attorney general, expressed apprehension regarding Trump’s commitments during his campaign. Attorney General Andrea Campbell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their understanding of Trump’s intentions as president and the necessity for vigilance.
Washington’s newly elected Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is also a Democrat, shared his concern about Trump’s recent inflammatory comments suggesting military action against perceived domestic enemies. “It’s deeply un-American,” he argued, highlighting the potential threats to civil liberties.
Despite the challenges, some states, including Connecticut, are hopeful about codifying progressive policies into law. However, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon cautioned that there are limitations to what can be achieved in this regard.
Following Trump’s election victory, Newsom pledged to find common ground while asserting, “Let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law.”
During a recent campaign event in Southern California, Trump mocked Governor Newsom by dubbing him “New-scum” while also critiquing California’s policies on immigration and homelessness. His words reflect an ongoing derision toward the state, which he views as a symbol of his political opposition.
On another front, Trump has asserted control over water rights in a contentious dispute concerning the endangered delta smelt, further complicating California’s environmental policies as the state grapples with wildfire threats. In his remarks, Trump reiterated his commitment to enacting mass deportations and pursuing aggressive actions against political adversaries. In response, Newsom and Democratic lawmakers are moving swiftly to protect the policies that have positioned California as a national leader.
“We learned a lot about former President Trump in his first term – he’s petty, vindictive and will do what it takes to get his way no matter how dangerous the policy may be,” state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire stated. “California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America.”
Newsom has publicly supported California’s role as a sanctuary state for individuals seeking abortion services, having enacted numerous laws to protect abortion rights. This includes a significant allocation of $20 million in state funding to assist out-of-state patients in accessing these services. Moreover, he leads a coalition of 20 Democratic governors established in 2023 aimed at bolstering abortion access nationwide.
Additionally, California was the first state to mandate the sale of only electric, hydrogen, or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2035 and has empowered regulators to penalize oil companies for excessive profit-making. The state also provides healthcare coverage to all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status. State Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that his office has been reviewing over 120 lawsuits filed during Trump’s previous term in preparation for upcoming federal actions.
**Interview with Political Analyst Jessica Harper on California’s Special Session Called by Governor Gavin Newsom**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jessica. After Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement regarding the special session to ‘Trump-proof’ California’s policies, what do you see as the main objectives of this initiative?
**Jessica Harper:** Thanks for having me! The main objective of Governor Newsom’s special session is to fortify California’s progressive policies against potential conservative overreach expected with Trump’s return to the presidency. He aims to ensure that the state can effectively contest any federal challenges, particularly when it comes to issues like reproductive rights, civil liberties, and climate policies. By increasing funding for the attorney general’s office, they are preparing to confront legal battles head-on.
**Interviewer:** How significant is this move in the broader context of Democratic strategy across the nation?
**Jessica Harper:** It’s quite significant. California’s proactive stance is part of a growing trend among Democratic states to protect their policies from what they anticipate to be a more aggressive Trump administration. You have similar initiatives emerging in states like New York and Massachusetts, where governors and attorneys general are already collaborating to formulate defensive legal strategies. The interconnectedness of these efforts shows a united front among Democratic leaders against perceived threats.
**Interviewer:** Newsom mentioned that “the freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack.” In your view, what specific policies are most at risk?
**Jessica Harper:** Several key policies are at risk, including those related to reproductive rights, immigration, gun safety, and environmental justice. Under a Trump administration, we can expect attempts to roll back protections established during the previous terms. Newsom’s emphasis on court readiness indicates a serious concern about legal assaults on these progressive laws.
**Interviewer:** Trump’s mocking comments about Newsom signal ongoing tensions between them. How do you think this dynamic will affect California’s legislative landscape going forward?
**Jessica Harper:** The animosity is palpable and will likely invigorate both sides. Newsom’s focus on state resistance may rally progressive voters and strengthen Democratic unity in California, while Trump’s consistent derision might energize his base against the state’s policies. The political battleground will intensify, and we could see more assertive legislative actions in California to preemptively counter federal moves.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you think California’s approach will set a precedent for other states to follow?
**Jessica Harper:** Absolutely. California has traditionally been a trendsetter in progressive politics. If their strategies prove effective in safeguarding their policies, other states may adopt similar measures. It could create a ripple effect across the nation, potentially altering how states approach federal relationships and legal challenges under different administrations, especially if Trump’s presidency is as combative as many expect.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jessica, for your insights on this significant development in California politics.
**Jessica Harper:** Thank you for having me! It’s an important issue that we’ll be watching closely as it unfolds.