The Californer - What they are saying: California leaders praise Governor Newsom's democracy defending action ahead of November elections

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Sep 19, 2026

What they are saying: California leaders praise Governor Newsom's democracy defending action ahead of November elections

SACRAMENTO — Leaders from across California praise Governor Newsom's actions to defend California's elections from potential interference from the Trump administration as the November midterm elections approach, including creating new felonies for those who do so. Today's election-protection package fulfills the Governor's promise from July 4, when he pledged to defend and protect the ballot against political interference, particularly from the Trump Administration's relentless efforts to destroy the right to vote for millions of Californians.

Assemblymember Marc Berman: "While Trump continues to lie about election integrity and obsessively undermine our democracy, California is showing the nation that voters deserve accessible, secure, and transparent elections. I thank Governor Newsom for putting California voters first. Our democracy is incredibly fragile, and we must ensure that Californians' fundamental right to free and fair elections is protected at all costs."

Senator Sabrina Cervantes: "California will not stand by while a right-wing majority of the Supreme Court tries to rob Californians of their sacred right to vote. The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 ensures that democracy not only endures but flourishes in our Golden State. Thank you to Governor Newsom for reaffirming California's place as a guardian of voting rights in the United States."

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin: "At a time when trust in government to solve problems is low, especially at the federal level, we need to create more opportunities for the public to have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them. Engaged California has demonstrated the value of reaching beyond traditional avenues of public participation to bring more Californians directly into the policymaking process. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 2103 and codifying a tool that helps policymakers hear from communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity or means to make their voices heard."

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson: "Protecting the integrity of our elections means protecting the records and technology Californians rely on to cast their ballots. Governor Newsom's signing of AB 1664 strengthens California's ability to safeguard these systems and reinforces the importance of protecting public confidence in our elections. It was an honor to work with Attorney General Rob Bonta and his team to bring this legislation forward and strengthen California's election protections."

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin: "As threats to election integrity and malicious disinformation from bad actors grow, it is paramount for California to lead by protecting voters and the accuracy of information related to elections. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 282 to further protect ballots before an election is certified, and AB 502 to protect voters from AI-generated misinformation and other deceptive content about elections, candidates, and the voting process. Safeguarding the accuracy of this information and ensuring that every lawfully cast vote is counted is how we truly respect the will of the voters."

Senator Laura Richardson: "After personally experiencing a delay of more than three weeks for the certification of my own State Senate race in 2024, and at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court had already affirmed the legitimacy of mail‑in voting, first in 1979 and again as recently as September 14, 2026, despite its more than 64 years of successful use in California, the need for clarity and public confidence in our electoral process could not be more evident. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing SB 1420, legislation that strengthens statewide standards for voter instruction, transparency, and civic education. By prioritizing clear guidance and consistent communication, SB 1420 will help reinforce trust in how California administers elections and, ultimately, in the accuracy and integrity of the results themselves.

Senator Tom Umberg: "Today, we are sending a clear message to President Trump: Hands off our elections. California will protect its voters and exercise its constitutional authority to run safe and secure elections. I thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 884 and ensuring no Californian has to choose between their safety and their right to vote."

Congresswoman Aisha Wahab: "In SB 259, we are protecting the right to vote but protecting our democracy. I'm proud to have partnered with Governor Newsom to ensure every Californian can receive, cast, and return their ballot without interference. The right to vote belongs to the people, and those who intentionally obstruct that right will now face consequences under California law."

Key California voting rights and community organizations

Arnulfo De La Cruz, President SEIU California: "Today is a victory for working people and for every Californian who believes their voice should count. Trump and his allies know that stripping working people's right to vote is the only way they can hold onto power as their agenda for higher costs, endless wars, and family separation becomes more and more politically toxic. With the CVRA of 26, California is fighting back to protect our freedom to vote, our values, and our right to choose the future of this nation. Standing up for our right to vote means access to ballot materials in the languages we speak, and the right to cast our ballots freely, safely, and equally. The CVRA of 26 comes at a critical time and cements California's status as the nation's leader in protecting our freedoms and democracy. We applaud legislators for standing up to those seeking to silence us and are proud to stand hand-in-hand with Governor Newsom as he signs them. And we will continue standing together in our union to ensure every eligible voter's voice is heard this November and every election that follows."

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David Trujillo, ACLU California Action Executive Director: "Generations before us fought to make voting as easy and accessible as possible for all eligible voters, the CVRA of 2026 helps strengthen voters' ability to meaningfully participate in our democracy. This legislation will help communities across California defend their right to vote, from expanding access to in-language voting materials to stronger protections against voting discrimination. The ACLU thanks Senator Cervantes, the Legislature and the Governor for their leadership to protect access to the ballot and strengthen voting rights in California."

Dora Rose, Deputy Director, League of Women Voters of California: "People marched, bled, and died for the right to vote and for the promise of equal political voice. Those rights were won through generations of struggle against discrimination, and they can never be taken for granted. At a time when federal voting rights protections are being stripped away, Senator Cervantes had the vision to author the California Voting Rights Act of 2026. The legislation strengthens our ability to fight voter suppression, vote dilution, and discrimination, while protecting and expanding language access. By signing it into law, Governor Newsom makes it clear that California will not allow hard won voting rights to be erased."

Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund: "State VRAs are a powerful, popular, and practical solution to address voting discrimination with 78% of voters supporting these bills nationwide. To enact four in one year is emblematic of the extraordinary momentum Californians and others across the country are creating in the fight to restore, expand, and protect the foundational right to the franchise. The Legal Defense Fund applauds California's leaders for protecting all voters, pushing back on federal threats to voting rights, and responding to the disastrous Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court decision by expanding the Golden State's first-in the-nation State VRA. We especially thank Senator Cervantes for her steadfast work in championing the CVRA of 2026 legislative package. Right now, we are fully focused on safeguarding Black political power and protecting free and fair elections. We truly appreciate the leadership these states are demonstrating in enacting State VRAs to protect all voters from efforts to intimidate or suppress full participation in our elections."

Hector Villagra, Vice President for Policy Advocacy and Community Education at MALDEF: "Two decades ago, California stepped up to protect voters and today our state is stepping up again in the face of unprecedented federal attacks on our democracy. For years, the California Voting Rights Act has provided critical protections beyond those in the federal Voting Rights Act. But as we confront unrelenting efforts by the federal government and bad actors here at home to disenfranchise voters and undermine access to the ballot, the need for action is unmistakable. The CVRA of 2026 sends a clear message: California will not stand by while the fundamental rights of its voters are threatened. The California Democracy Partnership is proud to help strengthen access to the ballot box and ensure that communities have the power to defend their votes for generations to come."

Dr. Matt A. Barreto, faculty director of the Voting Rights Project: "Governor Newsom has a long record of fighting for democracy, and today marks a major milestone in his eight years by signing this landmark legislation authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes. At a time when federal voting rights protections are being weakened, California is making clear that it will stand firmly on the side of voters. This law will not only expand access to election information and ballots in the language voters use, but it will also help communities challenge barriers before they cause harm and protect voters whose political power is diluted by unfair maps or election systems. The Voting Rights Project was proud to support this effort to make voting more accessible to every single Californian. We will continue working across the state through research, advocacy and litigation to protect access to the ballot and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard. In particular, we congratulate Senator Cervantes on being a steadfast champion of democracy and equal access to the ballot, through her numerous bills now signed into law."

Darius Kemp, California Director, Common Cause: "While federal voting protections are being attacked from every angle, California is cutting a different path by enshrining ours into state law. The CVRA protects and expands Californians' access to the ballot at a time when most Americans feel disconnected from their democracy. It also offers a roadmap for other states to follow suit and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard."

Sydney Fang, Policy Director, AAPIs for Civic Empowerment (AAPI ForCE): "We applaud Governor Newsom for signing the California Voting Rights Act of 2026. Amidst the barrage of authoritarian attacks on our communities and our democracy, the CVRA of 2026 is a welcome balm for all of us who are building a multi-racial, multi-lingual democracy. Together, SB 1164 and SB 1360 ensure that California affirms the voter protections that our ancestors fought to win."

Aarti Kohli, Executive Director, Asian Law Caucus: "California's actions today will matter far beyond our borders. At a moment when federal voting protections are being undermined left and right, our state is showing what real leadership – and a democracy – should look like: giving voters stronger tools to fight discrimination, protecting access to the ballot, and ensuring representation for a diverse electorate. For the Asian Law Caucus, that includes enhancing AAPI and immigrant voters' access to in-language information so they can fully and equally participate in our elections. We're grateful to Senator Cervantes, Governor Newsom, and our partners in the California Democracy Partnership for making these protections law."

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Kristin Nimmers, Policy & Campaigns Manager, Black Power Network: "Black Californians understand the importance of protecting their voting rights. For more than six decades, the Voting Rights Act has provided Black voters with a legal avenue to challenge district maps that diminish their influence. By enacting the California Voting Rights Act of 2026, Governor Newsom solidifies this protection in state law. We're actively mobilizing across California through November 3, ensuring Black residents feel empowered and that our communities maintain their political power."

Ramla Sahid, Executive Director, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA): "This country has struggled and fought to expand the right to vote. And we've seen that progress come under threat. But California isn't backing down and is playing a powerful role to ensure the right to vote is accessible to all. SB 1360 expands protections and ensures language is not a barrier to participation in our democracy."

Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for the Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles: "We applaud the Governor for signing SB 1164 today. This historic legislation is a victory for California voters and residents. Protecting voters from discrimination and vote dilution is fundamental to a healthy democracy—and essential to ensuring that all 22 million registered voters in California can have confidence that every vote counts. At a time when the federal government is working to suppress voting, intimidate voters, and instill fear in communities of color across the state, this bill sends a clear message: California will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand against unlawful policies that threaten to undermine free and fair elections. We must do better as a country. SB 1164 provides a roadmap for protecting voter integrity and ensuring that every eligible vote is cast and counted."

Aaron Robertson, Senior Director of Coalitions at Catalyst California: "At a time when voter suppression is rising and voter protections are dropping all across the country, California has a chance to mark a proactive, progressive path. The CVRA of 2026 is one of those bills that can become a real legacy for all Californians. In signing it, Gov. Newsom has shown real leadership."

Mike Young, Executive Director, CA Environmental Voters: "At a moment when the federal administration is working to destroy voting rights, California must do everything in its power to protect our democracy. Making the ballot language-accessible to every voter and ensuring every voter will cast it free from discrimination are important steps toward ensuring every Californian has a meaningful say in the decisions that shape their lives."

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