California Gov. Gavin Newsom Breaks His Silence: ‘Vote No on 27’

With just under two weeks left before the November 2022 election, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken a stance on Prop 26 vs. Prop 27.

Newsom said in a statement released Wednesday that he opposes Prop 27, which would legalize online sports betting in California via private sports betting companies partnered with California tribes.

“Proposition 27 is bad for California,” Newsom said. “It would hurt California’s Indian Tribes, increase the risks of underage gambling, and push billions of dollars out of California and into the pockets of out-of-state corporations. Vote No on 27.” 

Newsom did not say anything about Prop 26, which would allow in-person sports betting at California tribal casinos and the state’s four horse racetracks. Those are the same stances as the California Democratic Party — no on Prop 27, neutral on Prop 26.

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“California Tribes are grateful for Governor Newsom’s opposition to Prop. 27,” San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena said in a statement. “We thank him for standing with us to protect our sovereignty. Tribal gaming in California is beneficial for Tribes and for all of California. Prop. 27 would allow out of state corporations to interrupt that mutually beneficial relationship. Thank you, Governor Newsom for defending the best interests of Tribes and all Californians.”

The governor’s announcement is more for appearance than anything else. Prop 27 is already poised to fail on Nov. 8. The most optimistic of polling, from SurveyUSA, has Prop 27 at a 37% approval rating among likely California voters. But the most recent polling data, from a late-October Public Policy Institute of California survey, had Prop 27 at just a 28% approval rating.

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How About Prop 26?

Prop 26 didn’t fare much better in this latest PPIC poll. Only 34% of likely California voter respondents said they planned to vote yes on Prop 26. In the SurveyUSA poll, 43% said they planned to vote yes.

Newsom had previously hinted at his disdain for Prop 27. Back in August, at an event in Los Angeles, Newsom told reporters his thoughts on the ballot measure without explicitly declaring a stance.

“I know initiatives and folks will say anything. Perhaps that initiative will provide a few dollars,” Newsom said at the time. “I’m not supporting or opposing (Prop 27). I haven’t given it a lot of thought. But it is not a homeless initiative. I know Angelenos can read between the lines and they know better.”