By Salma El-Sakka
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a direct warning to President Donald Trump on Friday, cautioning against federal interference in the state's midterm elections and announcing legal measures to protect ballots.
Newsom deploys lawyers, makes ballot seizure a felony
In a statement on X, Newsom said he is deploying election lawyers to key battleground districts in California to protect every vote. He also signed legislation making it a felony to illegally seize ballots.
DOJ lawsuit alleges ballots sent to noncitizens
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit alleging that over 20,000 ballots were sent to noncitizens in California. The Trump administration also announced plans to deploy federal workers to monitor the midterm elections.
Newsom criticizes federal monitors on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 28, Newsom said he is recruiting over a thousand poll workers to monitor the DOJ monitors that Trump intends to send. He described the situation as unprecedented and vowed not to "screw around."
Trump conditions acceptance on 'honest elections'
Trump has previously stated he will accept the midterm results only if they are "honest elections." The president has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and expressed skepticism about mail-in voting.
Political stakes and Democratic optimism
Newsom's term ends in January, with the election for his successor coinciding with the November 3 midterms. Polling suggests Democrats could gain seats in the House and Senate. Newsom predicted a "blue tsunami" and record turnout nationwide.
