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Sanders vs. Newsom: Democratic Feuds & the Billionaire Tax Fight
Intraparty feuding isn't always a bad thing as political movements define themselves.
Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:48pm
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A proposed one-time, 5% tax on California billionaires to fund healthcare and education has sparked a dispute between Sen. Bernie Sanders and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Sanders held a rally supporting the tax, while Newsom and wealthy executives oppose it, citing concerns that the rich may flee the state. This feud highlights internal debates within the Democratic party over strategy and policy ahead of key elections.
Why it matters
These intraparty disputes, while potentially divisive, can ultimately clarify the Democratic party's platform and priorities as they approach important elections. The disagreement between Sanders and Newsom, as well as the Texas Democratic primary between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, demonstrate how internal debates can strengthen the party's cohesion or further divide it.
The details
The proposed California ballot initiative would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the state's billionaires to help pay for health care and education services affected by federal budget cuts. Sanders held a rally in Los Angeles to mobilize voters in support of the tax, rebuking fearmongering over the tax and calling out the lavish lifestyles of California-based billionaires like Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. However, Newsom, along with a number of wealthy executives, has opposed the billionaire tax, emphasizing his fear that rich people will flee the state.
- Sanders held a rally in Los Angeles on Wednesday to support the billionaire tax.
- The Texas Democratic primary between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico is occurring ahead of the March 3rd election.
The players
Sen. Bernie Sanders
An independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with the Democratic party and is a prominent progressive voice.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
The Democratic governor of California who has opposed the proposed billionaire tax, citing concerns that wealthy individuals may leave the state.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett
A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas who is running in the state's Democratic primary for a Senate seat.
State Rep. James Talarico
A Democratic member of the Texas state legislature who is running against Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the state's Democratic primary for a Senate seat.
Larry Ellison
The CEO of Oracle, a California-based tech company.
Mark Zuckerberg
The CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), a California-based tech company.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
