SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law protecting elections — focusing on keeping dirty money out of California’s democracy and no “sweepstakes” from billionaires seeking to buy elections.

“California is the most diverse state in the world’s most diverse democracy. Right now, our founding ideals and values are being shredded before our eyes in Washington D.C., and California will not sit idle. These new laws further protect Californians’ voices and civic participation in what makes our state and our country great.” Gov. Gavin Newsom

What the bills do

Leveling the playing field: Senate Bill 42 (Umberg) — This bill will put on the November 2026 ballot a measure to repeal the ban on public financing of elections in California, extending to all cities an

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