October 27, 2026 - SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday released the following statement in response to the three judge panel on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals slapping down the Trump Administration’s attacks on democracy, efforts to baselessly sow doubt, and trying to get the legal system to go against the U.S. Constitution and decades of legal precedent establishing and reaffirming a state’s right to oversee elections within its jurisdiction.
“Today’s ruling is a positive development and a welcome speed bump to Trump’s disgusting attacks on the Constitution and our country’s democracy. I have been sounding the alarm since last year, when Trump illegally federalized the California National Guard — Trump is illegally trying to seize powers in the Constitution entrusted to others so he can stay in power. This lawsuit is just the latest step.”
“Make no mistake: Trump’s assault on democracy won’t slow down. Each and every one of us can do something: participate in democracy, don’t become disillusioned. Vote early, go to a vote center, put your ballot in a dropbox. If everyone who cares about democracy participates, this election won’t be close — and none of Trump’s lies or conspiracy theories will be able to call that result, and the will of people, into doubt.”
“California is fighting back. And we are calling on all Californians to do the same.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
“The U.S. Constitution gives states and Congress — not the President or the Executive Branch — the power to determine the time, place, and manner of elections. The court’s order serves as an important step in our efforts to protect Californians’ right to vote and our state’s authority to run fair and secure elections,” said Attorney General Bonta. “All the evidence — counts, recounts, hand counts, audits — shows that voter fraud is exceedingly rare. Consistent with federal law, California has safeguards in place to protect election integrity and those who break the law should be held accountable. We will fight back against the Administration’s unlawful overreach at every turn.”
Trump’s DOJ prior admissions
Claims of widespread voter fraud by the Trump Administration in California began unraveling almost immediately during last Monday’s press conference.
Source: Office of the Governor
