A conservative activist group, Catholic Vote, has released a report titled ‘Gavin Newsom Files,’ alleging that California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has an ‘extreme’ and ‘viciously anti-Christian agenda.’ The report, which has been widely circulated, is a direct critique of Newsom’s policies, particularly his advocacy for abortion rights and support for transgender treatments for children, which the group claims are not aligned with Christian values. The report also criticizes Newsom for his alleged misuse of religious scriptures to promote pro-choice advocacy, which the group argues is ‘viciously’ anti-Christian.
Newsom, a member of the Democratic Party, is currently the governor of California, a state known for its progressive policies. The report highlights that despite his recent efforts to rebrand himself as a centrist, Newsom has remained a strong advocate for progressive causes. This includes his aggressive expansion of abortion access, with the report noting that he signed numerous pro-abortion bills in both 2022 and 2023. This, according to the report, reflects a consistent ideological stance and a departure from the ‘Clinton-era language of ‘safe, legal, and rare’ that the group argues is now being replaced by a more radical approach.
Newsom is also being considered for a potential 2028 presidential run, a fact that is being noted in the report. The group suggests that his continued push for liberal policies, despite recent public efforts to appear more centrist, is a clear indicator of his ideological commitments. This has led to criticism from conservative groups, who argue that his policies are not aligned with traditional American values and are instead indicative of a broader shift toward liberal ideology in the country.
As part of the report, Catholic Vote highlights specific instances of Newsom’s governance that they believe demonstrate his ‘extreme’ agenda. One such example is the use of public funds to commission billboards in Oklahoma advertising ‘Need an abortion? California is here to help,’ which featured a quote from the Bible encouraging people to ‘love their neighbor as themselves.’ The group claims that such actions are ‘unconscionable’ and ‘reprehensible,’ with other religious groups also expressing similar concerns.
The report also criticizes Newsom for his approach to public safety issues in California, particularly in the wake of recent riots in Los Angeles. While Newsom has been vocal in his criticism of President Donald Trump’s response to the riots, the group argues that his own governance has contributed to the unrest. They point to a lack of focus on addressing issues like homelessness, drug-related crimes, and the presence of illegal aliens, which they believe have led to the state’s current situation.
The Catholic Vote report has sparked a significant response from Newsom’s office, with his spokesperson Brandon Richards condemning the report as being authored by ‘a political hack who has sworn allegiance to President Trump.’ The spokesperson criticized the group for its past actions, including its endorsement of Trump in 2024 and its founder’s selection as the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.