The Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that California Democrats are backing a crime voting bill in a close House election, despite the state’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly opposing the plan.

Mr. Newsom is a vocal opponent of Proposition 36, which increases penalties for retail and drug crimes, but many Democrats have expressed support for the measure in close House races. According to In the LA Times. Proposition 36 is popular with a majority of Californians, with 73% of voters supporting the measure. According to According to a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll conducted from October 7th to October 15th.

Newsom said the measure would lead to “mass incarceration” and was an “insult.” According to In the San Francisco Chronicle. But he also said he doesn’t have the “bandwidth” to actively campaign against the bill. According to To the Sacramento Bee on September 20th.

“Republican opponents will be happy if the Democratic nominee opposes Prop. 36, because it will be very easy to create the impression that the Democratic nominee is soft on crime,” Republican conservatives said. , said Jared Sichel, a political strategist for independent candidates. Orange County told the Los Angeles Times. “If you’re a Democrat who opposes Proposition 36, you’re going to be hurt in November.” (Related: California continues to drive up gas prices with ‘layers’ of green rules and regulations)

According to the LA Times, Democratic House candidates who support Proposition 36 include Adam Gray in the 13th District, Will Rollins in the 41st District, Derek Tran in the 46th District, and Derek Tran in the 22nd District. They include Rudy Salas and Joe Carr of the 40th District. Sichel told the LA Times that most of the races will be held in districts with “a healthy mix of Republicans and Democrats.”

For example, in the 13th District race, the difference between Gray and Republican Scott Baugh was less than three points. According to The race for the 22nd District is currently tied between Salas and Republican incumbent David Valadao, according to a WPA Intelligence poll released Oct. 20. According to Emerson College poll in September.

Proposition 36 was enacted in the wake of dissatisfaction with the outcome of 2014’s Proposition 47, which lowered penalties for drug possession and theft under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors. Incarceration rates decreased by 8% in the two years after Proposition 47 was passed. According to For the September PPIC survey.

Crime is a persistent problem in the state, with overall crime increasing by 1.7% in 2023 and 15.4% since 2019. According to To PPIC. Of all property crimes reported in 2023, 63% were thefts, 15% were burglaries, and 22% were motor vehicle thefts.

California’s homeless population increased from 118,552 in 2013 to 181,399 in 2023. San Francisco’s camping count reached its highest since 2020, with 523 sites recorded in September 2023.

Proposition 36 will most likely go into effect. return Proposition 47’s reforms would upgrade drug possession and theft of less than $950 to felonies. It would also increase prison sentences for repeated retail thefts and make possession of fentanyl a felony.

“I’m worried we won’t be able to do it all,” Newsom said at a press conference on September 19, according to the Bee. I’m trying to do that,” he said. “I just pray that people take a hard look at Proposition 36. I really do.”

Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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