California Republican Assemblymember Links State's $68 Billion Budget Deficit to Sacramento Leadership, Disputes Trump Blame

Sacramento, CA – California Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-District 8) has publicly challenged the narrative attributing the state's significant challenges to former President Donald Trump, asserting that responsibility lies with long-standing leadership in Sacramento. In a recent tweet, Tangipa, a Republican elected in 2024, highlighted the disparity in tenures, stating, "Newsom has led CA for 16 YEARS. Trump only 4 yrs & 7 months."

Tangipa's remarks come as California grapples with a projected $68 billion budget deficit for 2024-25, alongside persistent issues like the nation's highest housing costs and a growing homelessness crisis. The Assemblymember contended that the state's problems cannot be solely blamed on a president who served a comparatively shorter term. He directly stated, "The person with 1/4 the time in office didn’t “break” our state. The blame belongs in Sacramento."

Governor Gavin Newsom assumed office as governor in January 2019. However, his political career in significant California leadership roles extends further, having served as Lieutenant Governor from 2011 to 2019 and Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. This extensive period in prominent state and municipal positions provides context to Tangipa's "16 years" claim regarding Newsom's influence in California.

The tweet reflects a broader sentiment among California's Republican minority, which frequently criticizes the state's Democratic supermajority for policies perceived to exacerbate economic and social issues. Tangipa, known for his outspoken nature, was recently removed from several Assembly committees, a move some Republicans have interpreted as retaliation for their vocal opposition.

"Stop gaslighting Californians. Now let’s do something about it," Tangipa urged in his social media post, emphasizing a call for actionable solutions rather than what he perceives as misdirected blame. California's median home price exceeds $800,000, more than double the national average, contributing to a high cost of living that remains a central point of political debate in the state.