Newsom calls special session to prepare California for legal fight against Trump

“But we must also be prepared to defend California’s values, regardless of the challenges ahead. Therefore, it makes sense to consider the governor’s proposal,” Rivas added. “I am ready to fight harder than ever for equal opportunity, equality and a Golden State that works for every single resident.”

The special session proclamation will direct the Legislature to operate where it was not previously intended to do so. Typically, lawmakers gather at the Capitol in early December for swearing-in and ceremonial duties before reconvening in January to begin their work in earnest.

During the special session, the Legislature may only debate bills related to the issue outlined in the governor's proclamation, but is not required to approve legislation.

While Democrats are virtually guaranteed a two-thirds majority in both houses, the limits of Democratic control are still uncertain. In the Senate, Orange County incumbent Josh Newman is trailing his Republican challenger. And in the Assembly, three seats in the Inland Empire — two of which are held by Democrats — remain too close to call.

Republicans called Newsom's move premature political hubris.

“This special session is a shameless political ploy,” Assembly Republican Chairman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) said in a statement. “The only 'problem' it will solve is Gavin Newsom's insecurity about not enough people paying attention to him. There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that cannot be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January.”

The special session would be the third that Newsom would have called. The previous two directed lawmakers to work on bills related to gas prices — including a session that ended last month with the passage of a bill to regulate inventories at oil refineries.