Today, newly elected and returning members of California’s state legislature took their oaths of office. While Republicans gained one additional seat in both the Assembly and Senate, Democrats still hold supermajorities, with 60 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the Assembly, and 31 Democrats and 9 Republicans in the Senate. Another Republican may soon join the Assembly, filling the vacancy left by new Congressman Vince Fong from Kern County.
Both chambers re-elected their leaders—Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire—who pledged to address affordability while doubling down on commitments to expand abortion access and supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Governor Gavin Newsom also called for a special legislative session which started today aimed at countering federal policies anticipated under President-elect Donald Trump. Newsom is asking the legislature to pour tens of millions into the Attorney General’s office to pay for lawsuits against federal actions to protect parental rights, women’s sports, and limit sterilizing gender-transition drugs and surgeries for minors.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Rob Bonta joined Democratic lawmakers this morning to announce two new abortion bills. Assemblywoman Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) proposed legislation to shield manufacturers and providers of abortion medication from liability. Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Livermore) introduced a bill empowering the Attorney General to sue municipalities that block abortion clinics.
Choking back tears, Bauer-Kahan shared a conversation she had with her daughter this morning: “When I was sworn in six years ago, she was 7. She couldn’t bear children and she didn’t know what abortion was. This morning, when I told her what I was doing today, she said, ‘Make sure they know that nobody should make girls like me have babies.’ That, my friends, is what girls who are growing up in America today think and feel.”
Conservative Voices Respond
Critics argue that these initiatives completely ignore the innocent child in the womb, putting one person’s worth, wants, and choices far above those of another deserving human being. Greg Burt, Vice President of California Family Council, expressed his dismay:
“We don’t want young teens bearing children either, but why would anyone offer the brutal killing of an innocent baby as an honorable and moral solution? Not only does abortion steal all the rights from an innocent life, but it shackles a young woman with a heavy burden that will haunt her for a lifetime.”
Looking Ahead
As the legislative session begins, the battle lines are clearly drawn. On one side, a progressive majority determined to push the state further left. On the other, a coalition of faith-based and conservative advocates striving to defend traditional values and protect parental and individual rights. The stakes are high for all Californians as these issues move forward.
