There's a clear and disturbing pattern emerging in the waning days of California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration. It's also a good indicator of how he'd rule this country if he were ever elected President, so voters should pay attention.
When independent journalist Nick Shirley exposed the massive amounts of Medicare/Medicaid fraud in the state, Newsom and California Democrats responded by pushing legislation to criminalize that type of investigative journalism. The 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' as the legislation is colloquially known, would fine journalists and force them to remove videos of their reporting.
And here we should note that Newsom's attack on investigative journalists didn't start with Nick Shirley. RedState's Jen Van Laar has been working to expose Newsom's corruption for years and ended up leaving California because she knew Newsom's 'justice' system would not protect her.
When I left CA almost a year ago due to threats to my safety (after exposing CHIRLA, VC Defensa, 805 Undocufund's role in anti-ICE violence), some questioned the need for me to leave the state.
— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) July 7, 2026
At the time, I told people, "Gavin Newsom's court system will not protect me if I… https://t.co/xKE7IOVg6n
Here's what the post says:
At the time, I told people, "Gavin Newsom's court system will not protect me if I need to defend myself, AND, they might actively seek to imprison me for some BS 'crime.'"Some friends and family scoffed at that. This video (in addition to the "Stop Nick Shirley Act") shows my concerns were well-founded.
It's more than likely that this legislation is unconstitutional and will get thrown out in the courts. But that's not the point. The point is that the Democrats have decided that protecting fraudsters and fraud is more important than the First Amendment.
In that same vein, Gavin Newsom is also going to criminalize looking into California's broken, dysfunctional election system. He's vowing to jail anyone who tries to expose the problems and fix them.
To anyone considering helping President Trump interfere with our election or our count:
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) July 6, 2026
You will be prosecuted.
That’s why I’m moving forward with new legislation that would make it a FELONY to seize ballots before the vote has been certified by state and county officials. pic.twitter.com/5lNEJx3zUI
"Let me speak directly to anyone considering helping President Trump interfere with our election or our count," Newsom said. "If you violate California's laws, if you interfere with our voters, tamper with our ballots, or meddle in our elections, you will be prosecuted. Doesn't matter who gave the order. That is why I am moving forward with new legislation that would make it a felony to seize ballots before the vote has been certified by state and county officials. We will be the wall he cannot get past, because we believe that once an election is decided, the winner governs for everyone. That's the architecture of American liberty. Donald Trump doesn't believe in that architecture."
Really? Who won the 2024 election, Gavin?
Democrats have made it their goal to stop President Trump from governing, despite him winning the Electoral College (the only vote that matters) and the popular vote, which Democrats love when they win.
You seem really scared of getting caught cheating.
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) July 6, 2026
He is.
The investigation into Newsom started under Joe Biden.
— I Love America News (@ILA_NewsX) July 6, 2026
Gavin and his wife are going to prison. https://t.co/GQGEvMkIIE
We can only hope.
Reread the Supremacy Clause, you slithering reptile. https://t.co/COwQx0nqep
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 6, 2026
The federal government has a say over federal elections.
Funny how Gavin Newsom's "election integrity" bill is aimed at stopping law enforcement and not illegal aliens. https://t.co/XbWSiN9vJG
— Republicans (@Republicans) July 6, 2026
Because he doesn't want to stop law enforcement.
It's also rich that Democrats, who haven't met a violent criminal they didn't want to release from prison, are turning anyone who tries to clean up our elections into felons.
Gavin Newsom threatens to jail Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights. https://t.co/79UaEoA65F
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 6, 2026
That's exactly what he's doing.
Newsom directly threatens prosecution of anyone who would stop election rigging in California, even if they were following the orders of the president
— Auron MacIntyre (@AuronMacintyre) July 6, 2026
Democracy is over, it's now just a game of escalating threats and legal maneuvers https://t.co/DetRToFtOo
Democrats never wanted democracy because there was a chance they'd lose. They want power and control.
It took Los Angeles 28 days to count ballots in the Mayoral primary. The election was June 2, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared the election concluded on June 30. To put that into perspective, this writer flew to Egypt on June 3, traveled the entire country, came home on June 25, and Los Angeles STILL hadn't counted all the ballots. Meanwhile, Colombia was able to count an entire nation's worth of ballots in a few hours.
Editor's Note: The Democrats are doing everything in their power to undermine the integrity of our elections.
Help us tell the truth about the SAVE America Act and how it will prevent voter fraud. Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member