California GOP lawmaker rebukes Gavin Newsom, calls on Donald Trump to work with state

California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, on Thursday sent an open letter to President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to work with state GOP lawmakers to address issues ranging from wildfires to crime — a direct rebuke of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s to counter Trump policies.

Newsom has called for a special session of the California Legislature to convene next month in order to “Trump-proof” the Golden State. Newsom also slammed Trump when he visited Washington, D.C. this week, criticizing the former and future president for threatening to withhold federal aid for California’s wildfire response.

Gallagher opened his letter — which you can read here — by asking Trump for his help.

“Many Californians believe your leadership can help us tackle issues that have plagued California for too long,” Gallagher wrote.

“California is grappling with a variety of problems, including devastating wildfires, an escalating housing crisis, rising crime, and unaffordable energy and gas prices. Additionally, there is a critical need to ensure swift accountability for criminals throughout the state,” the Republican lawmaker wrote.

Gallagher used the letter to once again criticize Newsom for calling a special session.

“Californians deserve real progress, not political showdowns that ultimately cost taxpayers and distract from the urgent needs of our state and nation,” he wrote.

The Bee has reached out to Newsom’s office for a response, and this story will be updated if one is received.

The special session begins Dec. 2, after the new Legislature is sworn in. The Democratic Party has a supermajority hold on both the Assembly and the Senate; Republicans are a superminority in both houses.

This story was originally published November 14, 2024 at 1:03 PM with the headline "California GOP lawmaker rebukes Gavin Newsom, calls on Donald Trump to work with state."