California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, along with state legislators, is set to reconvene at the state Capitol on Monday to initiate a special session aimed at reinforcing the state’s progressive policies in anticipation of a potential Trump presidency.
As a staunch opponent of President-elect Donald Trump, Newsom is endeavoring to position California as a central figure in the resistance against a possible conservative agenda. He is urging his Democratic colleagues, who maintain supermajorities in both legislative chambers, to increase funding for the attorney general’s office. This financial support is intended to prepare for an extensive legal confrontation against expected federal challenges.
Historically, California engaged in over 120 lawsuits against the former Trump administration, achieving varying levels of success. “We’re not going to be caught flat-footed,” Newsom declared during a recent press briefing.
Trump frequently portrays California as emblematic of the issues he believes plague the nation. With Democrats occupying every statewide office and holding significant majorities in the Legislature and congressional delegation, registered Republicans are outnumbered nearly 2-to-1 across the state.
In a campaign event in Southern California, Trump disparagingly referred to Newsom as “New-scum” and has consistently criticized the state’s leadership, highlighting concerns over its considerable immigrant population, homeless individuals, and extensive regulatory environment.
Trump has also intervened in a dispute concerning water rights linked to the endangered delta smelt, a small fish, creating tension between environmental advocates and agricultural interests. Additionally, he has threatened to withhold federal assistance from a state facing significant wildfire risks while reiterating his commitment to mass deportations and prosecuting political adversaries.
Prior to the commencement of the special session, lawmakers are expected to welcome over two dozen newly elected members and appoint leaders for the 2025 legislative term. Furthermore, hundreds of individuals are anticipated to march around the Capitol on Monday, advocating for legislative action against Trump’s deportation initiatives.
Attorney General Rob Bonta committed to defending the state’s immigration population, while Newsom recently proposed reinstating an electric vehicle rebate program in the event the incoming Trump administration revokes existing federal tax incentives for electric car purchasers. Additionally, he is contemplating the establishment of a backup disaster relief fund to support the wildfire-vulnerable areas of California, given Trump’s prior threats.
Republican legislators criticized Newsom and the Democratic majority regarding the special session. Central Valley Rep. Vince Fong expressed that California should collaborate with the incoming Trump administration instead. “Gavin Newsom’s actions are tone-deaf to the concerns of Californians who disapprove of the direction of our state and country,” Fong stated in a social media video.
Legislators are also expected to deliberate throughout the year on strategies to preserve numerous laws likely to face scrutiny from the Trump administration. This includes legislation that designates California as a sanctuary for individuals seeking abortions, especially those from states with stringent restrictions.
As the most populous state in the nation, California was the pioneer in establishing a mandate that all new cars and trucks sold by 2035 be electric, hydrogen-powered, or plug-in hybrids. Moreover, the state extends healthcare access to all low-income residents, irrespective of their immigration status.
Newsom has not disclosed specific actions for lawmakers to consider but emphasized the need for funding to be secured ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20. During the first Trump administration, the state incurred approximately $42 million in litigation costs.
Facing a projected $2 billion budget deficit next year, along with larger financial shortfalls anticipated in subsequent years, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, known for challenging the former Trump administration’s attempts to eliminate protections for young immigrants, referred to securing funding now as “a wise investment.”
California successfully reclaimed $57 million between 2017 and 2018 after winning a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s imposition of immigration enforcement conditions on federal law enforcement grants. Moreover, a legal victory related to the citizenship question on the 2020 census resulted in the federal government returning $850,000 to the state, according to the attorney general’s office.
“We are positioned, if necessary, to be the tip of the spear of the resistance and to push back against any unlawful or unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration,” said Gabriel, who chairs the budget committee.
During Trump’s first term, Democratic attorneys general collaborated on various lawsuits concerning immigration, environmental issues, and other topics. However, Trump may have a potential advantage this time, having aggressively appointed conservative judges across all federal court levels, including the Supreme Court.
