Gavin Newsom signed nearly 800 bills this year. Here's what's in them — and what they mean for 2028

The massive pile of legislation that came across the California governor's desk in 2025 could help form the basis of a future national platform.

It was a big year for California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender launched a podcast, emerged as one of the most prominent opponents of President Donald Trump and led the fight from the left on redistricting, countering Republican efforts to gain an advantage ahead of next year’s midterms.

And in a more under-the-radar fashion, Newsom oversaw a deep portfolio of legislation this year that could form the basis of a future national platform.

Across 2025, Newsom signed 794 bills he received from California’s Democratic-dominated Legislature into law, while vetoing another 123. While Newsom particularly championed the measure that led to a redrawing of the state’s congressional map, the vast majority of these pieces of legislation did not grab national attention. But this stack of more than 900 bills helps to illustrate how he’s sought to make appeals to various factions of the Democratic Party — both in his state and across the country.

He attempted to tackle his state’s housing crisis, enacted measures designed to lower prices, including on energy and prescription drugs, and implemented immigrant protections — moves that were praised by progressives. He also scaled back health care coverage for undocumented immigrants, boosted fossil fuel production and pushed for the dismantling of homeless encampments — moves that were viewed as shifts to the center.