It appears that there’s nobody Gov. Gavin Newsom can agree with—no exceptions. Even members of his own party are butting heads with the emboldened governor, recently showcased through his plans to veto a Democratic bill that would have allowed lawmakers to protect endangered species near the San Joaquin River. The bill is part of a larger Democratic effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s rollback of environmental protections.
He claims to support the bill’s premise, but argues that it’s not enough for him. Newsom wants more ways to push back against the Trump administration and is willing to create dissent within his own party to do so. Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins voiced support of the bill prior to Newsom’s promised veto.
The clash between Newsom and Atkins on this policy is only the beginning. Without the support of the majority leader, Newsom’s legislative agenda is only becoming more complex.
It’s natural for different parties to argue over new pieces of legislation, but when in-party fighting begins, it’s only setting progress on a path to disaster. Once again, Newsom’s stubbornness and lack of enthusiasm towards compromise have hurt California’s political system. If he continues on this path, it’s quite possible that there will be no system left in the future.
