Sex, drugs and unemployment: Newsom's centrist vetoes extend speculation about late presidential bid

While California Gov. Gavin Newsom insists that he won't seek the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, some of his recent vetoes – of far-left bills – have raised speculation that he is trying to appear more moderate for a potential run. 

Newsom vetoed a bill that would have forced judges in child custody cases to consider whether or not a parent has "affirmed" their child's chosen gender identity.

He wrote in a statement that while he shares a "deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians," he could not sign the bill. 

"That said, I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate — in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic — legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply," the statement reads. "Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities."

The bill was backed by the Democrat-dominated Legislature and authored by state senators Scott Wiener and Lori Wilson. Both are Democrats representing California's 11th District, encompassing parts of San Francisco.  

Parental rights has been a hot topic as of late. This month, Newsom vetoed another bill widely endorsed by liberal groups that would have allowed condoms to be freely distributed in California high schools. 

“With our state facing continuing economic risk and revenue uncertainty, it is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure,” Newsom wrote in his veto statement.

He said that while he believes that contraceptives are “important to supporting improved adolescent sexual health,” the bill would have produced an unfunded program that was not included in California's annual budget. 

Strikes with a large impact on California have also been making headlines as of late, such as the Hollywood writers strike and the United Auto Workers strike. 

In a move unusual for a California governor, he made news again by vetoing legislation that would have allowed workers to receive unemployment benefits while being on strike. Newsom gave the high cost as a reason for vetoing it.

"Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt," Newsom wrote. "I have deep appreciation and respect for workers who fight for their rights and come together in collective action. I look forward to building on the progress we have made over the past five years to improve conditions for all workers in California."

Another controversial veto occurred last week when Newsom vetoed a bill that would have decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms and other hallucinogens.

The bill was supported by criminal justice advocates and veterans who argued it could help with PTSD, according to ABC 10.

This legislation was also put forward by Sen. Wiener, who took to X to criticize the governor over the veto. 

"Gov Newsom vetoed SB 58, our bill to decriminalize mushrooms & other naturally occurring psychedelics," he wrote. "So for now, folks who benefit from these non-addictive substances remain classified as criminals under CA law. Our fight is not over. We’ll be back with legislation next year."

Political observers have told Politico that Newsom — who as San Francisco mayor delighted progressives by authorizing same-sex marriage while alienating them by slashing welfare payments to the homeless — was straddling an ideological line this month in a way that has infuriated critics on the left and right throughout his career.