Gavin Newsom

Progressive

Democrat

Governor

California

Current Position: Governor of California

Policy Positions

For universal healthcare; signed law establishing Healthy San Francisco to provide city residents with universal health care

For same-sex marriage rights; directed San Francisco to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004 and opposed Proposition 8

For sanctuary policies; faced criticism for failure to fully implement San Francisco's sanctuary city rule
For clemency considerations for immigrants; gave heightened consideration to pardon requests from immigrants facing deportation

Against capital punishment; declared a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019 and called it 'a racist system that is perpetuating inequality'
For cannabis legalization; supported Proposition 64 which legalized recreational cannabis use and cultivation for adults 21 and older
For criminal justice reform; supported Proposition 47 which reclassified certain nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors
For police reform; supports banning carotid artery restraints and choke holds, signed legislation requiring officers to intervene against excessive force
Against autonomous weapons use by law enforcement; vetoed bill restricting autonomous weapons citing 'beneficial law enforcement use'
Against expanding automated license plate reader regulations; vetoed bill requiring police to better document searches and delete data within 60 days