California Governor Gavin Newsom has dismissed concerns about former President Donald Trump’s potential impact on democracy, stating that in California, candidates are defeated through the electoral process. Newsom’s comments came in response to numerous attempts by elected officials to exploit a recent Colorado decision disqualifying a presidential candidate.
Among those pushing for action in California is Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who is running for governor in 2026. Kounalakis wrote a letter urging Secretary of State Shirley Weber to explore legal options for removing Trump from the ballot. State Senator Dave Min also expressed support for a bill that would allow California residents to sue to block ineligible candidates. However, given the limited time before the upcoming presidential primary, it is unlikely that such a measure could be passed and implemented.
Even before the Colorado ruling, Democratic state legislators had called on California Attorney General Rob Bonta to expedite a decision on Trump’s eligibility. This is part of a broader nationwide legal strategy aimed at preventing Trump from running for office again due to his involvement in the events of January 6. The Colorado decision has now given impetus to these efforts, with groups in Michigan using it to bolster their case against Trump’s eligibility.
Meanwhile, in Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, is considering complaints about Trump’s eligibility and has invited lawyers from both sides to submit additional briefs in light of the Colorado decision. A decision on the matter is expected next week.
,
In a recent development, California Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced his strong disapproval of President Donald Trump’s potential inclusion on the state’s primary ballot. Newsom criticized the Trump administration’s decision to not release his tax returns, which California law now requires for any candidate to appear on the primary ballot. This move by Newsom is seen as an attempt to block Trump’s re-election efforts in California, a state that traditionally leans towards Democratic candidates. The decision has sparked a heated debate regarding the limits of state authority and the potential impact on the upcoming 2020 elections. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing story.
