California Politics News

Newsom seeks off-ramp to California’s billionaire tax push

California Governor Gavin Newsom is quietly pursuing an off-ramp with SEIU‑UHW’s billionaire wealth tax initiative to avert a November ballot fight, but no deal is imminent. Newsom opposes the current proposal, arguing it could harm California’s economy and tax base, while unions say the measure is needed to address federal cuts and prevent healthcare job losses; the battle could shape state finance and Silicon Valley dynamics and may influence Newsom’s political standing ahead of a possible 2028 run.