Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Gov. Newsom: USDA Needs to Release All Available SNAP Funds
Gov. Gavin Newsom applauded two federal court rulings that found the Trump Administration illegally withheld Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds amid the ongoing government shutdown, calling the decisions a “major win for all Americans.”
“I’m proud to see courts agree that the Trump Administration has a legal responsibility to support the SNAP program. The USDA needs to release all available funding for this critical program immediately, said Newsom. “We’re not going to sit idly by while families go hungry. It’s cruel, it’s immoral, and it’s beneath us as a nation. California will keep fighting to make sure people get the food assistance they need and deserve.”
In separate cases brought by coalitions of states, nonprofits, and local governments, federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use previously appropriated contingency and reserve funds to continue SNAP operations. The courts affirmed that the federal government has both the authority and obligation to release billions of dollars in available funds, including $6 billion in SNAP contingency reserves and an additional $23 billion in Section 32 funds.
Although the rulings do not immediately restore benefits, they mark the first step toward requiring the federal government to resume payments for the program that supports over 42 million Americans — including 5.5 million Californians — who rely on SNAP/CalFresh to avoid hunger.
California joined 22 other states in suing the Trump Administration for refusing to fund SNAP despite available reserves. In the meantime, Newsom has fast-tracked $80 million in state funds to strengthen food banks and mobilized the California National Guard and California Volunteers to distribute food to families in need.
California Moves to Reclaim Control of State National Guard
California is escalating its legal battle against President Donald Trump’s federalization of the state’s National Guard.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a motion this week asking a federal judge to lift a stay and return the federally controlled California National Guard to the Governor’s command.
“The Trump Administration believes it can keep California’s National Guard federalized and deployed wherever, forever, and for any purpose—no further justification necessary,” said Bonta. “That is simply not true, and we’re asking the court to issue a ruling that says as much without delay. The Ninth Circuit’s recent order made clear that this remains a live issue, and we are confident that when we make our case, we will prevail.”
In June, Trump’s order transferred 4,000 members of California’s Guard—one-third of its active force—to federal control for domestic law enforcement in Los Angeles and other areas, despite the state’s objections. A federal judge ruled in August 2025 that the move violated federal law, but that ruling remains on hold pending appeal.
“President Trump turned the National Guard against the communities they swore to serve. This is unlawful and immoral,” said Newsom. “The National Guard deserves better than being treated like Trump’s toy soldiers – and when they’re returned to California command, we’ll get them back to doing the real work they signed up to do.”
Newsom’s office says the federalization has pulled Guard members from key state missions like wildfire management, fentanyl interdiction, and food distribution efforts amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
California’s challenge is part of a broader coalition of states — including Oregon and Illinois — pushing back against Trump’s expansion of federal control over state National Guards.
Gov. Newsom Will Consider Presidential Run After 2026 Midterm Elections
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will consider a presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections, signaling a potential entry into the 2028 presidential race. Newsom, a two-term Democrat whose current governorship ends in January 2027, made the remarks in an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning.
Asked whether he would give “serious thought” to a White House bid once next year’s midterms are over. Newsom responded by saying, “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise. I’d just be lying. And I’m not — I can’t do that.”
The governor cautioned that any decision remains years away. “Fate will determine that,” he said. “Who the hell knows? I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment.”
Newsom has raised his national profile through his advocacy for Proposition 50, a California ballot measure set for a Nov. 4 special election. The measure would temporarily change congressional district maps in response to partisan redistricting in Republican-led states. “I think it’s about our democracy. It’s about the future of this republic… the rule of law, and not the rule of Don,” said Newsom.
Tensions ahead of the vote are high, and Newsom has criticized what he calls federal efforts to intimidate Democratic voters. “We’ve got hundreds and hundreds, ICE and Border Patrol,” he told supporters. “Don’t think for a second we’re not going to be seeing more of that through Election Day. These guys are not screwing around.”
For now, Newsom says his focus is on California and the upcoming election.
Prop 50: How Your Vote Will Be Counted Over the Next Month
California election officials are explaining how votes on Proposition 50 will be counted to ensure all ballots are accurately tallied. The measure, set for a Nov. 4 special election, asked voters whether to temporarily change congressional district maps in response to redistricting efforts in Republican-led states.
With over 22 million registered voters in California, officials stress that final results take time. On Election Night, counties report semi-official totals, which include in-person votes cast on that day, early in-person ballots, and vote-by-mail ballots received and processed before Election Day. These results are not final.
The official count continues during a 30-day canvass period, when county elections offices process provisional ballots, conditional ballots from same-day registrants, and vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days. Officials verify signatures on envelopes and contact voters if signatures are missing or do not match records, giving voters up to two days before certification to confirm their ballot.
During the canvass, counties also conduct a public 1% manual audit to verify the accuracy of automated vote counts. Counties must submit official results to the Secretary of State within 30 days, and the statewide results are certified by day 38.
Election officials emphasize that while media outlets may “call” the election or candidates may concede on Election Night, the results are only official after the canvass is complete. These procedures ensure that every valid vote for Proposition 50 is counted accurately.
First Partner Launches California Women’s Wealth Advisory Council
California’s First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, announced the launch of the California Women’s Wealth Advisory Council, a new initiative designed to expand access to capital, ownership and financial opportunity for women across the state. The council will bring together leaders in finance, venture capital and government to help close the women’s wealth gap and shape a more inclusive innovation economy.
“I’m proud to launch the California Women’s Wealth Advisory Council to help shape an economy that includes women at every level of decision‑making,” said Siebel-Newsom.
“California is bringing the best and brightest minds together to meet this moment of historic wealth transfer and shape the foundations of a more equitable economy. When women control capital, they strengthen communities and expand opportunity. The work ahead is to redesign the systems that decide who has access and who benefits,” she said.
The council’s launch comes amid what the state describes as the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in modern U.S. history, with an estimated $84 trillion expected to change hands over the next two decades. California, home to the country’s largest public pension systems and a vibrant venture capital ecosystem, aims to play a central role in how that capital is allocated, with a particular focus on women.
According to Siebel Newsom, women continue to face systemic barriers in wealth creation: they receive a small share of venture funding, are under-represented in asset management and hold less business and household wealth overall. By designing inclusive financial systems from the outset, California hopes to model a more resilient and equitable economy for all.
This initiative builds on First Partner Newsom’s previous efforts, including the California Equal Pay Pledge (launched in 2019), the Equal Pay Playbook, and the Board Culture Playbook, all aimed at strengthening gender equity in the workforce. In 2024, the state also passed legislation requiring public high schools to offer a one‑semester personal finance course starting in 2027‑28, a foundational step in helping young women build wealth.
