Newsom visit to Turlock draws criticism from Republican leaders in Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County Republican leaders reacted to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s visit to Turlock on Monday with comments suggesting the geographic political divide in California is getting wider.
Joel Campos, the county’s GOP chairman, said the governor made stops in Central Valley counties that rejected Democratic policies in the recent national election and supported President-elect Donald Trump.
“State policies like the gas tax harm Central Valley supercommuters and folks who can’t afford an electric car,” Campos said.
California Republican Party Vice Chairwoman Corrin Rankin held a press conference at Garton Tractor in Turlock with Campos, Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak and Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez.
Newsom appeared at Stanislaus State University to release highlights of a $322.2 billion budget proposal for 2025-26 and made it the sixth stop on the California Jobs First Tour.
Bublak said Stanislaus State is her alma mater but she wasn’t aware of Newsom’s visit until the event already was in progress, she said.
Erick Serrato, director of Workforce Investment for Merced County, presented Newsom with the North San Joaquin Valley Economic Plan, one of 13 regional plans of an economic blueprint for the state.
“California is not only dominating but paving the way for the future of jobs and the American economy, with local homegrown economic plans for every region of our state,” Newsom said. “With a balanced budget and key investments maintained for the upcoming fiscal year, we are well-positioned to continue the forward momentum we have created.”
Newsom, in response to a reporter’s question, said a tax increase won’t be necessary to balance the budget. But it’s possible the bottom could fall out in the coming months if Trump imposes a 20% tariff on trade and begins to deport large numbers of undocumented immigrants, the governor said.
He said Trump policies could impact interest rates and inflation, which could radically change the state’s budget outlook.
The state Attorney General’s Office expects to receive $25 million to support anticipated legal fights against the incoming administration.
GOP leaders said the majority of Central Valley voters may not agree with the state waging court battles against Trump initiatives. Stanislaus County voters supported Trump with 54% of the vote to 43% for Kamala Harris, joining a block of red inland California counties on the election map.
Lopez, a former commuter, said families and underserved individuals driving long distances to work need a solution to high gasoline prices. He also questioned when state government and counties are going to work together as partners on homelessness and mental health.
Bublak said cities are working hard to increase reserves during tough times. “It should be the same with the state,” Bublak said. “I want to see them making a big commitment to increasing reserves and not just call it a rainy day fund.”
Newsom said the state will implement the policies in voter-approved Proposition 36, which is supposed to increase penalties and bolster enforcement against organized retail theft and drug crimes. Newsom did not support the initiative and Campos will watch to see if the changes are implemented.
“I am not confident,” Campos said. “I think they will be haphazard about it. They will identify some easy wins, but for the parts that matter, they will drag their feet.”
