California Governor Gavin Newsom said he has become more "open" to expanding the US Supreme Court and described the Electoral College as having "perverted" American politics, during a podcast interview with former CNN host Don Lemon. The comments are significant given Newsom's status as a widely tipped 2028 Democratic presidential contender, and add him to a growing list of prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who have floated reforming or restructuring the judiciary and electoral system.

Asked directly whether the judiciary needed expanding, Newsom said he would have opposed the idea a year ago but was now "evolving" on it, citing recent district court arguments, while still favouring reforms such as 18-year term limits. He was more forthright on the Electoral College, arguing it unfairly disadvantages populous states like California, which he said has the population of 21 states combined yet only two senators. He also noted alignment between the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America on issues such as healthcare and climate, though the DSA separately advocates abolishing the Supreme Court entirely. House Democrats recently rejected a Republican-led constitutional amendment to cap the court at nine justices, with sponsor Rep. Andy Biggs warning that altering the court's size for political convenience sets a dangerous precedent.