California Candidate Vows to Repeal Laws by Popular Vote

A candidate for California governor says he would use an old tool to overturn new laws: the voters themselves. Candidate Michael Shellenberger wants to repeal three recent state laws. He is proposing to use a referendum for each one. A referendum lets the public vote directly to approve or reject a law passed by the legislature. The targeted laws are high-profile. They include a gas tax, a police reform bill, and a law about youth gender identity healthcare. Shellenberger argues these laws are harmful or unpopular. If elected, he would not repeal the laws himself. Instead, he would use the governor's office to gather signatures. This would place referendums on a future ballot for all California voters to decide. The plan highlights the governor's indirect power. While a governor cannot delete laws alone, they can lead a public campaign. This strategy relies on convincing a majority of voters. Political experts note the process is difficult and expensive. Success requires millions of signatures and a winning public vote. Shellenberger's promise makes the governor's race a debate on direct democracy. It tests how far a governor can go to challenge the state's legislature.