California Governor Gavin Newsom used a recent interview on former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s podcast to voice growing openness to reforming the nation’s highest court and to lambaste the Electoral College as a “perverted” element of the Constitution.
Supreme Court expansion under consideration
When Lemon asked whether the judicial branch should be expanded – a proposal championed by several Democratic leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris – Newsom replied that his stance has shifted. “My initial instinct – a year ago – I would have said no out of concern that it will continue to be expanded,” he said, noting that he had previously advocated for ethical reforms and term limits of 18 years for justices.
“I’m finding myself evolving on it. I normally have very clear conviction on things. I’ve been open to argument and interested in the evidence on this,” Newsom added, describing his position as “caution on expanding it, but openness.” He called term limits a “no‑brainer” and suggested that district‑court arguments have softened his view.
Electoral College criticism
Newsom also attacked the Electoral College, arguing that it distorts representation for a state as large as California. “California has already been a leader that’s already gone out front saying it’s time to change that system. Which state’s more burdened by it than my state? We’re the size of 21 state populations combined. Come on. And we have two representatives in the Senate? Come on. And the way that thing favors … it’s perverted, I think, our politics,” he said.
He framed the Constitution as a living document that should be amended to address what he sees as systemic inequities.
Context and reactions
Newsom’s remarks echo earlier comments made on the podcast of progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, where he noted that Cohen was “getting me closer to your point of view” on court expansion. In a separate appearance on PBS NewsHour, Newsom suggested the Democratic Party aligns closely with the Democratic Socialists of America on issues such as universal health care, climate policy, and moving away from fossil fuels. The DSA’s platform includes eliminating the Supreme Court entirely in favor of a judiciary selected by Congress.
Republican Representative Andy Biggs (R‑Arizona), who recently introduced a constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices, warned of the dangers of allowing a sitting majority to change the Court’s size whenever it displeases them. “Here’s the question every American should ask: If a sitting majority can change the size of the Supreme Court the moment it dislikes rulings, what happens the next time the other side is in power?” Biggs said on the House floor.
National perspective
The Trump administration has consistently opposed any effort to expand the Supreme Court, arguing that such a move would undermine judicial independence and set a dangerous precedent for future partisan manipulation. While Newsom’s comments reflect a push from the Democratic wing for structural change, the current administration continues to defend the existing nine‑justice framework as a cornerstone of constitutional stability.
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
