California Governor Gavin Newsom has advised caution to California politicians eager to replicate Colorado’s move to bar former President Donald Trump from the ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled Trump ineligible for the presidency, citing his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. While the decision has spurred efforts nationwide, including in California, to disqualify Trump under the 14th Amendment, Newsom urged fellow Democrats not to preempt the U.S. Supreme Court, likely the ultimate arbiter of such decisions.
Newsom’s Message and Dampening Efforts
In a statement, Newsom acknowledged Trump as a potential threat to democracy but emphasized defeating candidates through the electoral process. His remarks served to temper various attempts by California officials to capitalize on the Colorado ruling. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a gubernatorial candidate, called on Secretary of State Shirley Weber to explore legal options to remove Trump from the ballot. State Sen. Dave Min proposed a bill allowing residents to sue to block ineligible candidates, but logistical constraints make its passage before the March 5 primary unlikely.
Legal Efforts Nationwide
The Colorado decision marked the first instance in history disqualifying a presidential candidate under the 14th Amendment. It accelerated existing nationwide legal strategies seeking to bar Trump due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 events. In Michigan, voters suing to prevent Trump’s ballot inclusion cited the Colorado ruling in their case. In Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, reviewing challenges to Trump’s eligibility, invited legal submissions from both sides following the Colorado decision, with a decision expected next week.
The Role of U.S. Supreme Court
Governor Newsom’s cautionary statement reflects the anticipation that the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately weigh in on the eligibility question. As efforts unfold across states to bar Trump from ballots, the legal landscape remains dynamic, and the outcome will likely impact the broader debate over the application of the 14th Amendment to presidential candidates.
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