A Sutter County judge has tentatively ruled that Gov. Gavin Newsom overstepped his authority when he issued an executive order requiring vote-by-mail ballots be sent to all of the state's registered voters.
Judge Sarah Heckman said the governor's order created a new state law and that's something only the state legislature has the authority to do. The ruling will not affect Tuesday's election, but the judge's injunction bars the governor from issuing more executive orders that change or create laws.
Gov. Newsom has issued more than 50 executive orders related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Heckman's decision will become final in 10 days.
Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove released a statement on the ruling late Monday: "Today’s ruling is a monumental victory for 'We the People.' The governor seems to have forgotten who he works for and this ruling should jog his memory. I am extremely proud of my Republican colleagues who continued our fight against the Governor’s unilateral abuse of power all the way to the court. Democrats can try to undermine or assault our freedoms as Americans, but Republicans remain committed to upholding the freedoms that so many have fought and sacrificed for us to enjoy."
A spokesman for the governor said the office will respond after it reviews the ruling.





