| | | | |  | | By Tyler Katzenberger and Dustin Gardiner | Presented by Phenomena Global | LAST CHANCE: Test your knowledge of new lawmakers, win POLITICO swag! We’ve been reaching out to the large class of newly elected state lawmakers about what’s topping their to-do lists this year — Match their names and responses in the quiz below by noon today for a chance to win. We’ll announce the winner at our new member reception this evening. RSVP here. | 
California Gov. Gavin Newsom today announced proposed legislation aimed at funding California's expected legal battles against the Trump administration. | Evan Vucci/AP | THE BUZZ: WAR CHEST WANTED — Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking California lawmakers to pour up to $25 million into a legal defense fund aimed at defending against President-elect Donald Trump as the state Legislature returns to session today. Newsom is pitching the fund as a way to preemptively protect California’s investments — both in measurable terms like federal disaster grants and more abstract ones like clean air protections — from being undercut by Trump, who’s signaled he will more aggressively combat those who oppose his conservative agenda in his second term. “We will work with the incoming administration and we want President Trump to succeed in serving all Americans,” Newsom said in a press release. “But when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action.” Newsom’s requests are spelled out in two bills from Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced this morning. The first would set aside the $25 million for litigation, and the second would immediately allocate $500,000 to fund initial case preparation, according to a press release from his office. Both bills will be considered by a small budget committee appointed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. The proposed fund, if split across four years, is more than double the $2.5 million the state Department of Justice gets from the state every year for litigation. That’s quite a bit less than the approximately $42 million the state spent on Trump-related litigation under then-Attorney General Xavier Beccera. But think of it as a down payment: The pot could grow if state lawmakers decide to add more money down the line. Newsom reinforced his argument with examples of successful lawsuits during Trump’s first term that “delivered tangible financial benefits” for the state, including one that recouped tens of millions of dollars in withheld federal public safety grants and another that saved consumers an estimated $8 billion in energy costs. Expect Newsom’s proposal to play well with Democratic lawmakers, as compared to his more contentious efforts to pass gas and oil legislation during a special session this fall. Legislative leaders have signaled they’re on board with focused legislation that funnels cash to the state DOJ, which will likely need to hire additional staff and bring in outside help to build cases against Trump’s policies. Newsom said he “will actively collaborate with legislative leaders and the Attorney General to refine and advance” special session legislation before it reaches his desk. He expects to sign it before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Republicans, meanwhile, have already dismissed the special session as “a joke.” Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones said Republicans would not introduce legislation to avoid perpetuating Democrats’ “endless and pointless legal war against the federal government.” It seems Carl DeMaio didn’t get the memo. The freshman lawmaker-elect from San Diego County and ardent Trump supporter announced in a statement that he plans to introduce legislation today aimed at punishing state leaders “when they are found to have violated the constitutional rights of citizens.” The aptly named “Punish Unconstitutional Actions Act of 2025” swings right for lawmakers’ pocket books. The bill would hit Newsom and lawmakers with a 25 percent cut in their annual state compensation each time a law they voted for (or signed, in Newsom’s case) is later found to be unconstitutional in federal court. DeMaio’s bill is the first legislative attempt aimed at opposing California’s resistance to Trump 2.0, even if the state’s Democratic supermajority is certain to sink it. “The real threat to democracy and civil rights is Gavin Newsom’s political ambition, his repeated intentional violation of citizens’ constitutional rights, and gross negligence in failing to address real problems facing Californians,” DeMaio said in a statement. GOOD MORNING. Happy Monday. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. You can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts. Or drop us a line at dgardiner@politico.com and tkatzenberger@politico.com, or on X — @DustinGardiner and @TylerKatzen. WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.
| | A message from Phenomena Global: Fear not—the Cavalry is here, and it’s led by Artists. At Phenomena Global, we ignite movement-making culture by channeling capital into creativity, harnessing the power of entertainment to shape hearts and minds. We bring together cultural icons, media powerhouses and top financiers to design strategies that break norms—delivering not just positive returns, but inspiring purpose-driven impact. This is the rise of Cultural Capitalism for Good. Join the movement. | | | |  | WHO SAID IT? | | CONTEST ALERT: ROOKIE CLASS QUIZ — We've been asking new lawmakers the same question: If you could accomplish one thing in your first year, what would it be? Six assemblymembers-elect and two incoming state senators responded — Patrick Ahrens (Silicon Valley Democrat), Carl DeMaio (San Diego Republican), Jeff Gonzalez (Imperial County Republican), John Harabedian (Pasadena-area Democrat), Maggy Krell (Sacramento-area Democrat) and Catherine Stefani (San Francisco Democrat) from the Assembly — and, in the Senate, Steven Choi (Orange County Republican) and Suzette Valladares (Santa Clarita Republican). Match the names to their responses and email your guesses (please include your full name for a chance to win) to tkatzenberger@politico.com by noon today.
- "To strengthen the promise of community colleges as a key driver of our state’s economic success."
- "To make Republicans a viable, effective voice of opposition, and to inflict consequences on the Democrat supermajority, such that they have to moderate and work in a more bipartisan fashion."
- “Figure out how to be in three places at once!”
- “I have a day-one bill that’s very important. It shores up access to medication abortion for Californians in anticipation of potential threats from the federal government or other states.”
- “In my first year, I want to pass meaningful legislation that curbs gun violence, protects women’s health and safety, and addresses the housing crisis because I’m committed to building a safer and more affordable California for all."
- “Advocate for meaningful legislation that’s community centered and reaches across the aisle.”
- “Cutting costs. From groceries to gas, electricity to rent, I’m focused on making life more affordable for every Californian.”
- "California is a beautiful state, but heavy taxes and regulations make it difficult to live and do business here. My hope is we can begin to reduce some of these burdens on our residents and businesses so more Californians can begin to afford the Golden State dream once again.”
| | | | Want to know what's really happening with Congress's make-or-break spending fights? Get daily insider analysis of Hill negotiations, funding deadlines, and breaking developments—free in your inbox with Inside Congress. Subscribe now. | | | | | | | BILLS, BILLS, BILLS | | | | 
Lawmakers plan to revive two bills on college admissions and property rights that were proposed as part of a slavery reparations package last session. | Sophie Austin/AP | FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: SHARING THE WEALTH — After a challenging end-of-session for Legislative Black Caucus reparations bills — and the defeat of anti-slavery measure Proposition 6 — two lawmakers are kicking off the new session with fresh legislation. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan plans to introduce a bill that would allow California State University and University of California schools — as well as private universities — to show admissions preference for applicants who are descended from slaves. “For decades universities gave preferential admission treatment to donors, and their family members, while other legacies have been outright ignored and excluded,” Bryan said in a statement to Playbook, noting a new law banning legacy admissions at private and public universities in California. “Now is the time for us to change that.” Assemblymember Tina McKinnor is planning to bring back a reparations bill that would allow those who had their property stolen through racially-motivated eminent domain to have it returned or seek financial compensation. The Legislature approved a previous version of the bill from former state Sen. Steven Bradford, but Newsom vetoed it. The governor said he could not sign the bill because it required the establishment of a new state agency to run reparations programming that didn’t exist. Bradford’s legislation creating such an office, the Freedmen Affairs Agency, failed on the last night of the legislative session, following amendments Newsom requested. McKinnor also plans to introduce a bill that would provide down payment assistance to descendants of slaves through a first-time homebuyers program. “For generations, California descendants of formerly enslaved people suffered under discriminatory housing laws,” McKinnor said in a statement to Playbook. “From reconstruction, Jim Crow, racially-restricted housing covenants and redlining, the descendants of formerly enslaved people have largely been denied their piece of the American dream.” — Lindsey Holden
| | | | A message from Phenomena Global:   | | | FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: AVENGE SPACEX — Assemblymember Bill Essayli is launching the new session with legislation that would help Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch more rockets off the California Coast. The Corona Republican plans to introduce a bill that would reverse the California Coastal Commission’s controversial October decision to reject SpaceX’s plan to increase its rocket launches from an Air Force base in Santa Barbara County from 36 to 50 per year — a decision Musk sued the commission over, arguing it was politically driven. Commissioners said they rejected the plan because of permitting concerns, but Musk has pointed to an hours-long debate before the vote about his political views as evidence that “naked political discrimination” fueled the commission’s 6-4 vote. Even Newsom, who has sparred with Musk on X over protections for transgender students and a recent ban on political deepfakes, said after the vote that he “didn’t like” the commission’s decision and was “with Elon.” Now, Essayli wants Newsom to put his pen where his mouth is. "Governor Newsom says he's 'with Elon' on this,” Essayli said in a statement. “Now is his chance to prove it.”
| | CA vs. TRUMP | | |  Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said California will not provide resources to help President-elect Donald Trump carry out mass deportations. | Francis Chung/POLITICO | NO GO — Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla said yesterday that California won’t lend its resources to Trump’s mass deportation efforts, POLITICO’s Greta Reich reports, even as the president-elect’s incoming “border czar” warns local law enforcement who do not cooperate with federal immigration agents may face prosecution. “Let the federal government do the federal government’s job, but have state and local officials do the state and local officials’ job. There doesn’t have to be a conflict unless that’s what Trump wants,” Padilla told CBS’ “Face the Nation." SPECIAL SESSION DOLLARS — As we recently reported, immigration advocates will be seeking funding through the special session to fund rapid response services for those facing deportation as a result of new Trump administration policies. Masih Fouladi of the California Immigrant Policy Center told Playbook late last week that groups will be requesting at least $15 million for organizations throughout the state to pay for hotlines, provide immigrant rights education and arrange social services for families of mixed legal status. He and others are pushing for the money outside the budget process because they’re hoping to secure it before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. So far, however, legislative leaders and the governor have seemed keen to limit special session spending to the DOJ and state agencies. — Lindsey Holden
| | | | Policy Change is Coming: Be prepared, be proactive, be a Pro. POLITICO Pro’s platform has 200,000+ energy regulatory documents from California, New York, and FERC. Leverage our Legislative and Regulatory trackers for comprehensive policy tracking across all industries. Learn more. | | | | | | | ELECTION RESULTS | | | | 
Democrat Adam Gray leads GOP Rep. John Duarte with less than 1,000 estimated votes left to count in the contest for House district in California's Central Valley. | Rich Pedroncelli/AP | END IN SIGHT — Democrat Adam Gray is clinging to a narrow 227-vote lead over Republican Rep. John Duarte in the contest for a Central Valley House seat with just a day left until California’s counties must certify state election results, and it looks like his lead may stick. There are less than 1,000 estimated votes left to count in the district, according to California Target Book, meaning Duarte would have to seriously outperform his margins to mount an eleventh-hour comeback. It’s possible some unexpected votes could pop up before the ballot-curing deadline, California elections data analyst Paul Mitchell told Playbook. But given the small number of votes left, he said Gray “looks to be in a strong position.” Should Gray win, House Republicans will likely have a slim 217-215 majority for much of Trump’s first 100 days in office, given the departures of GOP Reps. Michael Waltz of Florida, Elise Stefanik of New York and Matt Gaetz of Florida.
| | CLIMATE AND ENERGY | | | | 
California lawmakers are keeping voter frustrations with high insurance and energy bills in mind as they chart a course for defending the state's agenda against President-elect Donald Trump. | Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images | THE LEG CLIMATE — How will California’s Democratic lawmakers square their desire to fight Trump with the reality that voters are fed up with the high cost-of-living — especially when it comes to utility and insurance bill increases tied to climate change? Find out in last Wednesday’s California Climate.
| | TOP TALKERS | | | | 
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's house was the target of a spurious Thanksgiving bomb threat. | Evan Agostini/Invision via AP | SCARY STUFF — Los Angeles police officers swarmed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s mansion on Thanksgiving morning in response to a bomb threat, the Los Angeles Times reports. Police found no evidence of explosives, and a source with knowledge of Schwarzenegger’s whereabouts said the former California governor was at the gym during the incident. ELON BROS UNITE — What do California Rep. Ro Khanna and conservative media personality Steve Hilton have in common? They’re siding with Elon Musk when it comes to electric vehicle tax credits. The duo traded polite replies on X about manufacturing policy this weekend, with Khanna and Hilton both agreeing California should not exclude Musk’s Tesla from benefits for electric vehicle manufacturers. But, but, but: Hilton, a former British government policy adviser, said he wants California to “end ALL subsidies and mandates for EVs,” something Khanna worried could give Chinese automakers a leg up in the global race to dominate the electric vehicle market. Khanna instead called for a “bipartisan way forward” to rejuvenate America’s manufacturing prowess, adding: “As you are acutely aware, Britain's decline as an industrial power was tied to their decline as a world power!” BUT HER EMAILS — Some Democrats fear Vice President Kamala Harris’ continued emails urgently asking donors for cash — often sent multiple times a day, even weeks after Election Day — are damaging relationships with online donors integral to the party’s fundraising strategy, POLITICO’s Jessica Piper and Lisa Kashinsky report. “I understand that the Harris campaign is in a very difficult position with the debt that they have, and so sometimes you just have to make practical decisions,” one Democratic digital marketing company founder said. “But yeah, I think that stuff like that erodes trust.” REALIGNMENT? — House districts with large swaths of Latino voters that once leaned toward Democrats have shifted right as Trump continues to make inroads with the demographic, POLITICO’s Ally Mutnick reports. The list includes a trio of Central Valley districts: GOP Rep. David Valadao’s seat just north of Bakersfield, Democratic Rep. Josh Harder’s Stockton-area seat and Democratic Rep. Jim Costa’s Fresno-area seat. ALARM BELLS — California Sen.-elect Adam Schiff is raising concerns about Trump’s selection of Kash Patel to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Patel, a Trump loyalist and former Defense official, has made a series of comments about punishing Trump’s critics, as Schiff noted. “Kash Patel has publicly called for arresting members of the media and government officials,” Schiff tweeted Sunday. “More suited as internet troll than FBI Director, the Senate must reject him.
| | A message from Phenomena Global: Fear not—the Cavalry is here, and it’s led by Artists. At Phenomena Global, we ignite movements that shape culture to define the future. We channel capital into creativity, empowering cultural icons, media powerhouses and celebrities to drive change that touches hearts, shifts perspectives and inspires action.
Our approach is built on connection. We unite visionaries across industries—artists, financiers, and influential media leaders—to design strategies that break traditional norms. These are purpose-driven ventures designed to use the power of entertainment to transform society. With deep access to powerful networks across nations, we unlock pathways for sustainable growth that deliver positive returns while championing meaningful change.
That’s Cultural Capitalism for Good—a new era where capital fuels culture, and culture drives global progress. At Phenomena Global, we’re crafting a legacy that transcends generations. One bold investment, one cultural milestone, and infinite opportunities.
Join the movement: www.phenomenaglobal.com/ | | | | | AROUND THE STATE | | |  People visit the Golden Gate Bridge as a rain storm moves through the area in January 2023. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images | — The Golden Gate Bridge’s high-pitched, ominous howl might finally be silenced thanks to years of work from a team of engineers. (San Francisco Chronicle) — Trump lost Orange County for the third straight time, but Republicans still made notable gains across demographic groups. (Los Angeles Times) — A San Diego federal judge nominee could become a political pawn ahead of Trump’s inauguration. (San Diego Union-Tribune) — Staff at a California lab that tests for bird flu say they’re overworked and burned out as the disease spreads. (Los Angeles Times) — Three teenagers died and one was severely injured after a fiery Tesla Cybertruck crash Wednesday in Piedmont. (KTLA 5)
| | PLAYBOOKERS | | SPOTTED: GRAND OLD PARTY — Assembly Republicans, led by James Gallagher, toasting new members at Grange. Greg Wallis and Assemblymember-elect Jeff Gonzalez were getting attention for their narrow but tone-setting victories, and incoming freshman Carl DeMaio was seen in one corner, no doubt cooking up a scheme to put Democrats on the defensive. PUT A RING ON IT — Joey Freeman, deputy mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs in Los Angeles, and Nathan Click, political spokesperson for Newsom and public affairs professional, were engaged last week … Pic … Click surprised Freeman and popped the question after Freeman was brought to the top of Los Angeles City Hall under false pretenses by Mayor Karen Bass’ top spokesperson Zach Seidl and press secretary Gabby Maarse. The couple then celebrated the engagement downtown with both of their families. BIRTHDAYS —Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) … Conyers Davis … BELATED B-DAY WISHES — (was Sunday) Jeremy Oberstein of 10th Street Communications … Berry Kurland … (was Saturday) POLITICO’s Tyler Katzenberger (favorite cake flavor: “Lemon”) … David Mamet … Steve Haro … (was Friday) LAT’s Mark Barabak … Emily Lenzner … Geoffrey Ogunlesi … Alexandra Ulmer … Tomá Hunt-Beczak … Andrew DaRe … Lou Loomis … Joel Coen … Howie Mandel … Jodie Morgan … (was Thursday) WaPo’s Matea Gold … Suzi Emmerling … Joy Nadel WANT A SHOUT-OUT FEATURED? — Send us a birthday, career move or another special occasion to include in POLITICO’s California Playbook. You can now submit a shout-out using this Google form. CALIFORNIA POLICY IS ALWAYS CHANGING: Know your next move. From Sacramento to Silicon Valley, POLITICO California Pro provides policy professionals with the in-depth reporting and tools they need to get ahead of policy trends and political developments shaping the Golden State. To learn more about the exclusive insight and analysis this subscriber-only service offers, click here. Want to make an impact? POLITICO California has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Golden State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Rebecca Haase to find out how: rhaase@politico.com. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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