California Gov. Gavin Newsom has expressed a growing openness to expanding the Supreme Court, an idea previously championed by some progressive Democrats. In a recent interview with former CNN host Don Lemon on his podcast, Newsom stated he was "evolving" on the issue, moving from his previous stance of caution.

"My initial instinct — me, a year ago, I would have said no out of concern that it will continue to be expanded," Newsom said. "And I was making a case for the ethical reforms and term limits, 18 years, which I was making a case a year ago. I'm more open to it on the basis of those district court arguments, which are not terrible arguments."

When asked directly if he supported expanding the court, Newsom replied, "I'm finding myself evolving on it. I normally have very clear conviction on things. I've been open to argument and interested in the evidence on this." He characterized his position as "caution on expanding it, but openness," and reiterated his support for reforms such as term limits, calling them a "no-brainer."

This marks a shift from previous public statements. In June, during an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, Newsom indicated he was being persuaded by arguments in favor of court expansion, stating that Cohen was "getting me closer to your point of view."

Newsom also directed sharp criticism toward the Electoral College, asserting that it has "perverted" American politics. He argued that the system disproportionately favors certain states and that California, with a population comparable to 21 other states combined, is burdened by its current structure.

"California has already been a leader that's already gone out front saying it's time to change that system. Which state's more burdened by it than my state? We're the size of 21 state populations combined. Come on. And we have two representatives in the Senate? Come on. And the way that thing favors...it's perverted, I think, our politics," Newsom stated. He also referenced the Constitution as a document conceived to be amended, suggesting it is time for such a change.

Separately, Newsom commented on the Democratic Party's alignment with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on issues like universal healthcare and climate change. The DSA advocates for policies including the elimination of the Supreme Court and its replacement with a judiciary selected by Congress.

Recently, House Democrats voted against a measure proposed by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., to cap the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. Biggs warned against the potential for partisan manipulation of the court's size, questioning the precedent it would set if a simple majority could alter the court based on disliked rulings.