DeMaio Responds to Newsom’s Dishonest State-of-State Address

California Governor Gavin Newsom finally delivered his long-delayed State-of-the State address—eight months—and according to Assemblyman and Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio, the speech was nothing more than a “slickly produced propaganda video that gaslights Californian’s.”

“Instead of talking about what’s actually happening in our state, Newsom attacked Donald Trump and tried to spin California’s problems as a success story,” said DeMaio. “It’s insulting. Californians are not stupid—we know what’s happening in our neighborhoods and we are fed up with his incompetence.”

Newsom’s Campaign for President—While California Burns

DeMaio slammed Newsom for using the address to promote his national political ambitions instead of focusing on the real issue facing California.

“Gavin Newsom is running for president while Californians are suffering,” DeMaio said. “Crime is rampant, homelessness is out of control, wildfires are burning, our cost of living is through the roof, and people are fleeing the state in record numbers—yet Newsom thinks the priority is producing a fancy campaign video and yelling about Trump.”

DeMaio noted that Newsom delayed his speech back in January citing wildfire response—but eight months later, nothing has been fixed. “Wildfires are still raging, we still haven’t invested in real prevention, and our energy grid is weaker than ever. The only thing Newsom has produced is excuses,” said DeMaio.  

California Is in Crisis—Newsom Won’t Admit It

In his address, Newsom painted a rosy picture of California’s future, celebrating its diversity and innovation. But DeMaio blasted the Governor for ignoring the realities faced by Californians every day:  

• Skyrocketing Cost of Living: Middle-class families pay $28,037 more per year to live in California than they would in an average state. Housing costs are 10% higher for homeowners, 47% higher for renters. Gas is 46% higher, food is 10% higher, water is 10% higher, and electricity is double the national average. “This is a cost-of-living penalty imposed by Sacramento politicians –and it’s crushing families.”  

• Crime and Disorder: Smash-and-grab robberies, car break-ins, and violent crime are surging. “Newsom’s soft-on-crime agenda and early release programs have turned our neighborhoods into a danger zone,” said DeMaio. “Instead of protecting families, Sacramento politicians are protecting criminals.”  

• Homelessness and Addiction: Billions have been spent on homelessness programs with no results. “Homelessness is worse than ever—tent cities, open-air drug markets, needles in playgrounds—yet Newsom pats himself on the back.”  

• War on Industry and Jobs: “California used to be the land of innovation. Now Newsom is driving industries like manufacturing and even space exploration out of the state with overregulation and hostility to business.”  

• Failing Schools: “More than 50% of California students are not meeting English language standards—and a staggering 64% are failing math proficiencies. Despite Newsom’s claims to support immigrants, immigrant students are failing over 80% proficiency tests because Newsom tramps them in the worst-performing schools in the state.”  

"They want you to give up so they can turn California into a one-party progressive playground forever,” DeMaio warned. “But California is worth fighting for—and I believe we can get it back.”

Through Reform California, DeMaio is leading a statewide grassroots revolt to educate voters, recruit reform-minded candidates, and put commonsense on the ballot.  

“I am asking every Californian who is frustrated with what they see to join our movement, send a clear message that California belongs to the people—not the politicians.”  

DeMaio concluded, “Gavin Newsom can try to distract Californians with Trump-bashing, rainbows, and glossy videos—but we are dropping truth bombs, organizing a grassroots army, and we will take our state back.”