'Worthless politician': Gavin Newsom trolled as he pulls California crime ballot measure a day after touting it as 'critical step'

Gavin Newsom withdrew a proposed anti-crime ballot measure just one day after promoting it as a solution to address property crime and the fentanyl crisis
PUBLISHED JUL 5, 2024
Gavin Newsom's measure was intended to be a more moderate alternative to a Republican-backed proposal set to appear on the ballot this fall (Getty Images)
Gavin Newsom's measure was intended to be a more moderate alternative to a Republican-backed proposal set to appear on the ballot this fall (Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: In a surprising turn of events, California Governor Gavin Newsom withdrew a proposed anti-crime ballot measure just one day after promoting it as a vital solution to address property crime and the fentanyl crisis, The Hill reported.

The decision to pull the measure has sparked widespread criticism and trolling of the Democrat across social media. Newsom announced his proposed ballot measure on Monday, July 1, touting it as a "critical step" in combating property crime and the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

Gavin Newsom withdraws anti-crime ballot measure after a day

The measure was intended to be a more moderate alternative to a Republican-backed proposal set to appear on the ballot this fall.

This Republican-backed measure seeks to repeal parts of Proposition 47, a landmark bill that reclassified many crimes in California from felonies to misdemeanors. Supported by conservative lawmakers, big-box retailers, and prosecutors, the measure has garnered significant attention and debate.

Despite the initial support from some corners, Newsom's proposal faced skepticism from moderate and progressive Democrats in the state legislature. According to the Los Angeles Times, many legislators viewed the proposal as a hasty reaction to the Republican effort.

Additionally, state legislative leaders had previously promised not to amend Proposition 47, instead focusing on alternative anti-crime bills. Amid these uncertainties, Newsom traveled to Washington DC to meet President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors on Wednesday, July 3.

President Joe Biden speaks onstage at the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center hosted by Pride Live at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on June 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a Program of Pride Live)
Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington DC to meet with Joe Biden (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a Program of Pride Live)

This move came in the wake of Biden's underwhelming performance in a recent presidential debate, which had sparked discussions about potential replacements for the Democratic nomination. Newsom's trip to the capital added to the urgency and tension surrounding the ballot measure.

In a statement addressing the withdrawal of the proposal, Newsom cited the inability to meet the ballot deadline as the primary reason for the decision. "We are unable to meet the ballot deadline to secure necessary amendments to ensure this measure’s success and we will be withdrawing it from consideration," he remarked.

"I’d like to thank the Legislature and countless stakeholders who came to the table to work on meaningful reforms and I look forward to our work ahead," Newsom added.

The abrupt withdrawal of Newsom's ballot measure did not go unnoticed by his critics. The California District Attorneys Association (CDAA), which has long advocated against Proposition 47 and supported the Republican-backed measure, celebrated the withdrawal.

In a statement, CDAA CEO Greg Totten expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "We are pleased the Governor and Legislature have dropped their countermeasure and welcome them to join our campaign to responsibly amend Prop 47 to deal with retail theft, the fentanyl crisis, and homelessness," Totten said.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom speaks during electio
Gavin Newsom withdrew an anti-crime ballot measure just a day after proposing it (Getty Images)

Gavin Newsom trolled for withdrawal of anti-crime measure

The internet quickly became a hotbed of trolling aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrats in the wake of the withdrawal of the anti-crime measure.

On Facebook, one user said, "Once again Democrats favor criminals over the victims."

While another remarked, "Dem party in chaos and can't even copycat anymore."

One person wrote, "The man who started San Francisco on its downward spiral, and then the whole state of California."

Another commented, "The fact that the vote on the measure was timed to coincide with the holiday -- during which time THEY KNEW most lawmakers would be gone -- makes me think Democrats never took it seriously, in the first place."

One individual posted, "CA politicians promote violent criminality."

Another stated, "Democrats have no clue how to curb crime." Another user said, "Another worthless politician."

One person wrote, "Gotta give him credit for consistently being the worst governor on every issue."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

David Carr vowed to counter socialist-inspired proposals like city-run grocery stores, calling them a failed ideological experiment
11 hours ago
Marco Rubio confirmed the Trump admin had ended ties with 66 global groups, citing taxpayer accountability and rejecting 'ineffective' institutions
13 hours ago
Chris Murphy proposed a bill to curb DHS powers by banning face coverings, limiting interior raids, and boosting transparency after Renee Good's death
14 hours ago
Federal Judge Arun Subramanian issued a 14‑day restraining order, saying states had met the legal threshold to preserve aid programs
16 hours ago
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cited Feeding Our Future, housing aid abuse, and daycare fraud probes to justify the funding freeze
16 hours ago
Jack Smith's team welcomed public scrutiny, with attorney Lanny Breuer noting he had long offered to testify openly and never resisted transparency
1 day ago
Eric Swalwell and Dan Goldman proposed the 'ICE OUT Act' as lawmakers aimed to strip ICE officers of qualified immunity, citing accountability gaps
1 day ago
The Clinton postponed their December depositions with Bill's rescheduled for January 13 and Hillary's for 14, but neither have confirmed attendance
1 day ago
Judge Lorna Schofield blocked John Sarcone's IRS request, ruling only a lawfully appointed US Attorney could authorize disclosures
1 day ago
'Here I was leading a nice life, and now you've injected me back in here and are probably gonna make me the governor of Minnesota again', Ventura said
1 day ago