California acts against federal election monitors as Newsom warns Trump of interfering in state election ahead of midterms
Newsom challenges federal plans
On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Newsom said he was acting against the planned deployment of federal agents to monitor the midterms. He described the response as necessary, saying, “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” and adding that neither side could afford to take the situation lightly.
The Trump administration has announced plans to send federal workers to monitor the elections. The Department of Justice has separately alleged in a lawsuit that over 20,000 ballots went to noncitizens.
Concerns over election claims
Newsom argued that Trump’s conduct could suppress votes and create grounds to question the outcome. He said, “We see what he’s doing on a daily basis,” and described doubt about a supposedly rigged result as a foreseeable consequence.
California votes in November
Newsom’s term as California governor ends in January. Voters will choose his successor on November 3, the same date as the wider midterm elections. Polling has indicated that Democrats could gain strength in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. That prospect has raised hopes within the party as the midterms approach.
Key points
- Newsom says he is taking action against federal election-monitoring plans.
- The Justice Department lawsuit alleges that over 20,000 ballots were sent to noncitizens.
- California’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, alongside the midterms.
- Polling suggests Democrats could gain seats in the House and Senate.