When Gavin Newsom succeeded Jerry Brown as Governor of California in 2018, there was an expectation that he would exercise similar discretion in tempering extreme legislation from fellow Democrats. Brown was known to veto radical bills, keeping the more extreme fringes of his party in check.
Initially, Newsom seemed to retain this influence, but that dynamic has shifted significantly. Recent events illustrate that California Democrats are no longer heeding Newsom’s leadership, signaling a major change in the state’s political hierarchy.
Newsom’s Influence Declines as Legislature Rejects Key Bills and Challenges Authority
Newsom’s authority began to visibly erode in 2023 when he called a special legislative session to address gas prices, only to be stonewalled by Senate leadership. Though he eventually got his way, it became clear that the legislature no longer viewed him as a figure to rally behind.
Observers noted this as a political weakening, which raised questions about his long-term ambitions and viability. Some speculated that Vice President Kamala Harris’s influence might have also undercut his standing within the party.
Newsom’s Grip Weakens as California Democrats Defy Agenda and Deepen Intraparty Divides
In 2024, Newsom intervened in legislation to ensure harsher penalties for those soliciting minors under 15, but 16 and 17-year-olds were left out. In 2025, Assemblymember Maggy Krell—an expert in human trafficking—reintroduced a bill to close this loophole.
Despite Newsom’s support, Assembly Democrats gutted the bill, removing Krell’s name and the core felony provision. They replaced it with vague language and launched a misleading PR campaign accusing Republicans of opposing protections for minors, even though they had supported stronger penalties.
Growing Tensions Between Newsom and Lawmakers Reveal Deep Divides Within California’s Leadership
The bill’s blockage was led by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, a freshman legislator with minimal trafficking experience, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. Schultz claimed more time was needed to refine the bill, despite having had a year to do so.
His refusal to support Krell’s targeted felony provisions, despite bipartisan pressure and gubernatorial backing, highlighted the party’s internal divisions. Schultz even accused top state officials and the media of misinformation, showcasing the deepening rift between the legislature and executive leadership.
The fallout has been substantial. As Assembly Democrats attempted to shape public perception through social media ads, Republicans countered with their own fact-based campaigns aimed at vulnerable Democratic lawmakers.
Governor Newsom now finds himself publicly at odds with members of his own party, while key legislative figures increasingly dismiss his authority. The division within the state’s political ranks is deepening, and if the pattern holds, Newsom could encounter mounting resistance throughout the rest of his term—posing a serious threat to any future aspirations on the national stage.
