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Newsom Appointment Sparks White House Feud

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/19/newsom-appointment-sparks-white-house-feud.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 6:21 GMT by New York Post
      Locales: California, Washington, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 19th, 2026 - The political battle between the White House and California Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified dramatically following Newsom's appointment of Curtis Milner to fill the vacant seat left by retiring Congressman Doug LaMalfa. The Biden administration has launched a scathing attack on the move, branding it a "shameful" and "cynical" attempt to manipulate the democratic process. The appointment, occurring just over a year after LaMalfa unexpectedly announced his retirement, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and fueled speculation about Newsom's national ambitions.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre delivered a strongly worded statement on Monday, accusing Newsom of prioritizing personal political gain over the wishes of California voters. "This is not a good faith effort to represent the constituents of Northern California. It's a calculated maneuver designed to bolster the Governor's own standing," Jean-Pierre asserted. The administration's core argument centers on the belief that Newsom bypassed the will of the electorate by appointing Milner, a former official from the Obama administration, rather than allowing the voters to choose their representative through a special election immediately. While the seat will ultimately be decided in a special election, critics argue the interim appointment gives Milner an unfair advantage.

The appointment has also drawn immediate and fierce condemnation from Republican leadership. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the decision a "blatant power grab" and accused Newsom of "disrespectfully manipulating the system." Johnson, speaking at a press conference yesterday, vowed to challenge the appointment through any legislative means available. Several prominent Republican members of Congress have called for an ethics investigation, alleging that Newsom is leveraging his gubernatorial power to create a more favorable political landscape for himself should he decide to pursue higher office.

Newsom's office has vehemently defended the selection of Milner, highlighting his qualifications and commitment to serving the people of Northern California. A spokesperson for the Governor dismissed the criticism as "partisan attacks" and emphasized Milner's extensive experience in public service. "Mr. Milner is a dedicated and capable individual who will effectively represent the district's interests until a permanent representative is elected," the statement read. They argue that the appointment ensures continued representation for the district during the interim period.

The controversy surrounding Milner's appointment goes beyond the immediate political implications. For months, speculation has swirled around Newsom's potential presidential aspirations. Despite repeatedly denying any intention to run in 2028, many political analysts believe Newsom is strategically positioning himself as a viable candidate. This appointment is being viewed by many as another piece of that puzzle.

"Newsom is a master political strategist," says Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of political science at Georgetown University. "He understands the importance of building a national network and projecting an image of leadership. Appointing someone with ties to the Obama administration signals a clear attempt to appeal to a broader base of voters, particularly those who supported President Obama. It also allows him to reward a loyal ally."

Furthermore, the appointment allows Newsom to potentially influence the upcoming special election. While Milner is not guaranteed to win, the incumbency advantage, even for a short period, could significantly boost his chances. This could translate into a more favorable outcome for Newsom's allies in the state legislature and further solidify his control over California's political landscape.

The situation is further complicated by the changing demographics of the congressional district previously represented by LaMalfa. While historically conservative, the district has seen a growing influx of younger, more progressive voters, making it a potential swing district. This adds another layer of intrigue to the special election and raises the stakes for both parties.

Looking ahead, the appointment is expected to dominate the political conversation in California and Washington D.C. for weeks to come. The special election, likely to be held in late spring or early summer, will be a closely watched contest, serving as a bellwether for the political climate heading into the 2028 presidential election. The White House, meanwhile, has signaled that it will continue to aggressively challenge Newsom's actions and highlight what it considers to be his self-serving political maneuvering. The feud represents a significant escalation in the already tense relationship between the Biden administration and one of the Democratic party's most prominent figures.