Newsom backs federal billionaire tax while opposing California measure

Why it matters locally: Governor Newsom's stance on wealth taxation, supporting a federal approach while opposing a state ballot measure championed by a major California healthcare union, directly impacts potential fiscal policy and future state revenue within California.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his support for a federal billionaire tax on the same day a large healthcare union advanced a separate state ballot measure that Newsom opposes. The union, which represents healthcare workers in California, committed to placing a measure on the ballot that would tax billionaires living in the state. The proposed levy would apply a one-time 5% rate to the assets of residents with billionaire status as of Jan. 1, 2026. Newsom stated his preference for addressing wealth taxation at the national level. His announcement came hours after the union's decision to move forward with its state initiative. The two positions create a policy disagreement between the governor and the union. Newsom has not publicly explained his reasoning for opposing the state measure while backing a federal approach to the same issue. State officials and policy experts have previously raised questions about whether a state-level billionaire tax would face legal challenges under the U.S. Constitution. The federal government retains primary authority over income and wealth taxation across state lines. Newsom's office did not respond to requests for clarification on how a federal billionaire tax would differ from the state proposal or address concerns about implementation. The healthcare union represents tens of thousands of workers across California and has historically supported wealth tax proposals. Union leaders have indicated support for such measures during prior ballot cycles. If the union's ballot measure qualifies and voters approve it, California would become one of the few states to implement a billionaire tax. Washington state voters rejected a similar measure in recent years, and other states have faced court challenges to wealth-based taxation. Newsom previously signed legislation supporting a different tax increase on the wealthy during his tenure as governor. That law imposed higher income tax rates on high earners, which voters later overturned through a ballot measure.