California Governor Gavin Newsom explores Supreme Court expansion and labels Electoral College perverted in new interview

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently indicated a significant shift in his perspective on potential reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court. During an interview on Tuesday with former CNN host Don Lemon for his podcast, the governor expressed an “openness” to the idea of expanding the judicial branch, a concept previously met with skepticism from him. Newsom also delivered sharp criticism of the Electoral College, asserting that the system has “perverted” American politics.

These statements from Newsom, widely considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, underscore a growing debate within the Democratic Party regarding the structure and fairness of key governmental institutions. His evolving stance on judicial expansion, coupled with his long-held opposition to the Electoral College, positions him firmly within a faction advocating for substantial systemic changes.

Shifting stance on Supreme Court structure

When directly questioned by Lemon about whether the Supreme Court should be expanded, Newsom revealed a personal evolution on the matter. He noted that as recently as a year ago, his “initial instinct” would have been to oppose such an expansion, driven by concerns that it could lead to an endless cycle of court packing by opposing parties. At that time, his focus was on “ethical reforms and term limits,” specifically proposing an 18-year tenure for justices, which he continues to view as a “no-brainer.”

However, the governor now finds himself “evolving” and “more open” to the idea, particularly influenced by arguments concerning district court structures. He described his current position as one of “caution on expanding it, but openness,” indicating a willingness to consider evidence and arguments for such a significant change. This marks a notable shift for Newsom, who made similar remarks in June during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, stating that Cohen’s arguments were “getting me closer to your point of view” on court expansion.

Criticisms leveled against the Electoral College

Newsom reserved even harsher words for the Electoral College, condemning it as a system that has “perverted” U.S. politics. He highlighted California’s unique position as a state disproportionately affected by the current structure. “California has already been a leader that’s already gone out front saying it’s time to change that system,” Newsom stated. He questioned the fairness of a system where California, with a population equivalent to 21 other states combined, has only two representatives in the Senate.

His argument centers on the belief that the U.S. Constitution is a “living document” designed to be amended, suggesting that the time has come for changes to the Electoral College. This perspective aligns with a broader push among Democrats to reform or abolish the system, which they argue often disenfranchises voters in populous states and can lead to a president being elected without winning the national popular vote. For a state leader, particularly one from a large, diverse state, this issue carries significant weight and resonates with many voters.

Broader reform debates and partisan divides

The discussion around judicial and electoral reform extends beyond Governor Newsom, reflecting a wider movement within the Democratic Party. Several prominent Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have advocated for expanding the Supreme Court. Some Democratic senators have even claimed that the Republican Party “stole” two Supreme Court seats in 2016 and 2020, justifying the need for expansion to rebalance the court.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization with which Newsom acknowledged the Democratic Party is “pretty aligned” on issues such as universal healthcare, climate change, and transitioning away from fossil fuels, holds even more radical views. The DSA’s stated goals include eliminating the Supreme Court entirely and replacing it with a judiciary selected by Congress. This spectrum of reform proposals highlights the varying degrees of institutional change being considered on the left. Key points of alignment with DSA include:

• Universal healthcare access.
• Aggressive climate change policies.
• Transitioning off fossil fuels.

Conversely, proposals for court expansion face strong opposition from Republicans, who warn against politicizing the judiciary. Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) recently cautioned Congress about the dangers, asking, “If a sitting majority can change the size of the Supreme Court the moment it dislikes rulings, what happens to the next time the other side is in power?” This sentiment reflects a concern that altering the court’s composition based on political outcomes could undermine its independence and lead to endless partisan battles over its structure.

Implications for national political landscape

Governor Newsom’s recent comments are significant, especially given his profile as a leading figure in the Democratic Party and a rumored presidential hopeful for 2028. His willingness to publicly entertain, and even advocate for, fundamental changes to the Supreme Court and the Electoral College signals a potential platform that could energize progressive voters while drawing sharp criticism from conservatives.

These discussions about institutional reform are not merely academic; they represent a deep ideological divide over the foundational principles of American democracy. As the nation approaches future election cycles, the debate over the Supreme Court’s composition and the Electoral College’s future will likely remain central, shaping political discourse and influencing voter choices across the country. Newsom’s evolving stance adds a prominent voice to this critical national conversation.