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◆ Mixed look for SandersHealthcareTaxesElections / Campaigns

Bernie Sanders, Gavin Newsom become adversaries over push to tax California billionaires

Sanders is campaigning for the proposed tax and says it would address growing wealth and income inequality.

Bernie Sanders, Gavin Newsom become adversaries over push to tax California billionaires
Image · Times of San Diego

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Outlet credibilityTimes of San Diego72/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 10, 2026

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Times of San Diegooriginal publisher not identified
Feb 18, 2026
tl;dr

Bernie Sanders is backing a proposed California tax on billionaires, while Gov. Gavin Newsom opposes it and is trying to stop it from reaching the ballot. The dispute is creating divisions among Democrats ahead of the midterm elections, though supporters still need to gather enough signatures to qualify the measure.

Community verdict

12 VOTES
How does this story look for
Bernie Sanders I · VT · SEN

Counts every outlet’s report of this story. See all 26

● OPEN
  • Readers of left-leaning coverage: 60% good look
  • Readers of right-leaning coverage: not enough votes yet
Votes cast on this page

Votes cast on this page: ▲ 0 · ◆ 0 · ▼ 0

People in this story

SWIPE →
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

U.S. senator from Vermont supporting the proposed California billionaire tax

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose prior federal funding cuts are cited as the reason for the proposal

ALSO MENTIONED  Gavin Newsom, California governor opposing the proposed billionaire tax; Brian Brokaw, Newsom adviser leading a political committee opposing the tax; Chad Bianco, Republican candidate for California governor; Matt Mahan, San Jose mayor and Democratic candidate for California governor; Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

Part of a bigger story

10 OUTLETS
Bernie Sanders Rallies for California Billionaire Wealth Tax Measure

Outlets agree Sanders rallied in Los Angeles for a proposed California tax on billionaires. Left-leaning outlets foreground Sanders’s effort to build support for the tax and opposition from billionaires and Newsom. Center outlets describe his support alongside Newsom’s opposition, with some stressing the Democratic divide and the measure’s path to the ballot. Right-leaning outlets pair his tax advocacy with criticism of his private-jet travel or characterize the proponents’ remarks as attacks on billionaires.

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