California Gov. Gavin Newsom convened a special session of the Legislature on Thursday in order to “safeguard California values and fundamental rights” after President Donald Trump won the election this week to return to the White House in January.
Newsom said the special session will focus on bolstering California’s legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families.
The big picture: Newsom announced Thursday that the special session will respond to Trump’s agenda, which he fears could erode the rights for women and the LGBTQ community.
- The special session will start on Dec. 2 when the Legislature convenes.
- Newsom is calling for legislation to provide more funding to the California Department of Justice and other bureaucratic arms to gear up for lawsuits against the Trump Administration and to defend against any oncoming federal lawsuits.
Driving the news: Newsom’s announcement called back to the billions of dollars California has spent during his tenure on progressive issues.
- It highlighted Newsom signing over 25 bills regarding abortion and contraception, resulting in over $200 million allocated to patients and providers.
- Newsom also highlighted how California has spent $45 billion on climate issues and the successful repeal of Proposition 8 to enshrine marriage for the LGBTQ community in the California Constitution.
What they’re saying: The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack – and we won’t sit idle,” Newsom said. “California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
- Newsom has the support of the Democratic leaders in the Legislature, although Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D–Hollister) acknowledged that California needs to listen to the message voters sent in the election.
- “Voters sent a clear message this election, and we need to lean-in and listen,” Rivas said. “But we also must be prepared to defend California values, no matter the challenges ahead, so it makes sense to consider the Governor’s proposal. I’m ready to fight harder than ever for opportunity, equality and a Golden State that works for each and every resident.”
- Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D–North Coast) called Trump vindictive.
- “California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America,” McGuire said. “This is why we’re moving with speed and investing in our legal defense. This is an important first step in protecting our progress and the values that make this state great. We’ll be working with the Assembly and the Governor in the months ahead to ensure the rights of all Californians are safeguarded.”
The other side: Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R–Yuba City) responded to the call for a special session, calling it a “shameless political stunt.”
- “The only ‘problem’ it will solve is Gavin Newsom’s insecurity that not enough people are paying attention to him,” Gallagher said. “There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that couldn’t be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January. If Newsom is so eager to set up a 2028 presidential run, he’d be much better served by fixing the crime, homelessness and high costs that will doom his campaign.”
Elsewhere: Along with the call for a special session, California Attorney General Rob Bonta held a press conference by himself in San Francisco on Thursday saying his department is ready to fight the Trump Administration.
- “We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights and restrict access to essential reproductive care, which means we won’t be flat footed,” Bonta said.
