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From CalMatters political reporter Maya S. Miller:
State lawmakers are already taking legislative steps to “Trump-proof” elections in California, starting with a bill designed to keep President Donald Trump off the California ballot in 2028.
The bill by Sen. Tom UmbergSanta Ana Democrat and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make it illegal for the California secretary of state to place on the ballot any candidate for president or vice president who does not meet the constitutional requirements for those offices.
The Constitution 22nd Amendment already states that no one can hold the presidency for more than two terms.
Senate Bill 46 would take this a step further and require each candidate to affirm under oath, under penalty of perjury, that they do indeed meet the constitutional requirements to vote. A voter may challenge a candidate’s qualifications by filing a petition with the Sacramento Superior Court.
“Obviously in the president’s mind and in Alan Dershowitz’s mind there’s some kind of fraudulent scheme that he might run for a third term,” Umberg said, referring to the Harvard scholar and former Trump legal adviser who suggested that the 22nd Amendment did not provide for an airtight prohibition for Trump’s third term. “It’s a belt and braces approach to make sure his delusions don’t become reality.”
Umberg said that while 2028 is still years away, it’s important to start early so other states can follow California’s lead. Also, 2026 is Umberg’s last year in the Senate.
- Umberg: “I have a sell-by date on my head, so it’s important to me personally to leave this as part of my legacy.”
SB 46 will be heard in the Senate Select Committee this morning.
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Other stories you should know
The old man in 12 Angry Men was 73, FYI
Turning 80 is usually a big milestone for most people, but in California it can include another perk: getting off jury duty for good.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee is expected to rule today on a bill that would allow Californians age 80 and older to to waive jury duty permanently without the need for a note from a health care provider. Adults who still want to be considered as a juror can still do so.
There is no current age exemption for jurors, although residents 70 and older can be excused due to a medical condition without a doctor’s note. However, there is a chance that they may claim exemption multiple times if they are selected for service multiple times after attaining the age of 70 years.
The bill is supported by the California Senior Legislature, an advocacy organization for senior citizens, and has no formal opposition to date. MP Patrick Ahrensa Cupertino Democrat who introduced the bill argued that continually seeking an exemption under current law could be disruptive and place significant stress on older adults.
- Ahrensin an interview with CalMatters: “Older people may have chronic health problems, physical limitations or a lack of technical skills. … (But) we can make the lives of older Californians easier by maintaining an accountable, diverse and fair jury selection process.”
Former Democrats, current members of the Republican Party are starting a campaign
Former state Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero launched her campaign for lieutenant governor Monday, unveiling her candidacy as the Republican candidate for the state’s second-most powerful office.
Romero was first elected as a Democrat to the Assembly in 1998 before serving in the California Senate from 2001 to 2009, representing East Los Angeles. During her time in the Legislature, she became the state’s first female Senate Majority Leader and authored the controversial “parent trigger” law that allows parents to change school administration if the school is performing poorly.
After leaving office, Romero left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party, supporting a Republican candidate in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election and Trump in 2024. When she switches in 2024, Romero said her biggest grievance against Democrats is about “school choice, educational freedom and the right to have quality schools for all,” reports Newsweek.
In her campaign videoRomero tried to reach voters of both parties.
- Romero: “Maybe you’ve never voted Republican before and maybe you don’t agree on all the issues. That’s fine. But we need to hold Sacramento Democrats accountable for their failures on homelessness, affordability, crime, education and housing. I’m going to hold them to the fire.”
Romero joins a race that includes Josh Friday, California’s chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Treasurer Fiona Ma and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.
And finally: A demand for action against the Tijuana River drain
The Tijuana River carries sewage, chemicals and toxic gases into the communities of South San Diego, making it one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. CalMatters’ Deborah Brennan and Director of Video Strategy Robert Meeks have a video segment on how local leaders are trying to mitigate the problemas part of our partnership with PBS SoCal. Watch it here.
SoCalMatters airs at 5:58pm weekdays on PBS SoCal.
California voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: The prospect of trailing bills adds to the woes of the state budget, which also faces chronic deficits and pressure on lawmakers to offset cuts in federal funding.
To prevent the next firestormPolicymakers should emphasize community-based approaches instead of logging and clearing chaparral on public lands, which can exacerbate the threat of wildfires. Chad Hanson writeswildfire scientist with the John Muir Project.
As California’s next insurance directorI will push for policies that strengthen homeowner insurance participation, promote enforcement around cancellations, and create an Insurance Payers Bill of Rights, writes Robert Howellpresident of Exatron and a Republican candidate for insurance commissioner.
Other things worth your time:
Trump is becoming a fraud in a new weapon against the blue states // A politician
Will Newsom is settling in quickly school facilities case like Schwarzenegger did? // EdSource
State Senator Wiener pivots after congressional forum: “Israel committed genocide in Gaza” // KQED
CA YIMBY Hero all shout at // Atlantic
This housing policy was too radical for California Democrats — until Trump embraced it // The San Francisco Standard
No tax on billionaires in California yet qualified to vote. But it’s already unleashing chaos // San Francisco Chronicle
The largest solar energy storage project in the US still forming in CA // Canary Media
Vigilante Congressman from California received a pardon from Trump. Now he wants one for another unknown son // San Diego Union-Tribune
