California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to sue the Trump administration over its efforts to restrict mail-in voting. This follows a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling on Monday, August 25, 2026, that lifted an injunction blocking provisions of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at "election integrity" in 23 states ahead of the November midterm elections.

The Supreme Court clarified that its decision addressed only the injunction, not the ultimate legality of the order, leaving room for further legal challenges. In response, Newsom criticized the ruling, stating, "The Supreme Court just let the Trump administration move ahead (for now) with its plan to disenfranchise voters across the country."

Newsom’s office described a new legislative package, AB 282, as part of an "Election Protection" effort. The bill would create new felonies related to the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified. These measures build on election-related legislation Newsom signed earlier in the summer.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, the U.S. Postal Service and Department of Justice announced they would begin implementing the revised mail-ballot restrictions.

Sources