'This is code red': Gavin Newsom urges Democrats to 'wake up' on election security before midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that election security has become a "code red" issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, urging Democrats to intensify their political efforts and arguing that Congress should continue serving as an independent constitutional check on the executive branch.

His remarks come as election administration and voting integrity remain at the center of national political debate. The Democratic governor also encouraged members of his party to become more active ahead of the midterms, saying the election would play an important role in determining the balance of power in Washington.

Gavin Newsom calls election security 'code red' before 2026 midterms

Speaking about the upcoming elections, Newsom described election security as an urgent national issue.

"We will lose this country unless we're vigilant about what's going on in terms of election security. This is code red, this is serious, a five-alarm fire," he said.

Newsom said the midterm elections would determine whether Congress continues to serve as an independent constitutional check on the executive branch.

"I will advocate to make sure that there's a system of checks and balances because that's what a republic is all about... three independent, co-equal branches of government," he said.

He also urged Democrats to become more engaged ahead of the election, saying, "I hope more established Democrats wake up to that, because I've been screaming from the rafters for years on that."

Newsom added that political engagement requires more than statements, saying, "That's what Prop 50 represented. Not just press release, it wasn't an op-ed, it was action."

Newsom also criticized President Donald Trump's recent conduct and foreign policy rhetoric, saying, "He's just winding up, more unhinged by the hour. I mean, look at the performance overseas, NATO. Now, Spain's one of our biggest enemies? I mean, this is serious stuff."

California election security faces renewed scrutiny

Last month, First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli announced that multiple election-fraud investigations were underway in California in coordination with the FBI, describing election integrity as a growing priority for federal authorities. The announcement followed criticism from Trump over California's vote counting process and mail-in voting system.

Trump questioned the length of ballot counting in California and alleged that irregularities had emerged as additional ballots continued to be processed.

"We just don't want cheating in our elections," Trump said while pointing to California as an example of what he described as election security concerns.

The renewed scrutiny also follows Newsom's July 4 address, in which he called for what he described as a "declaration of election independence."

Newsom argued that voting remains the defining feature separating democracies from monarchies and dictatorships. He also proposed principles including "freedom from election manipulators and deniers" and "freedom from the fear of imprisonment if you don't go along with Trump's schemes."

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, election administration, voting integrity, and congressional oversight are expected to remain key issues as both parties prepare to intensify campaigning in the coming months.