By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Proposed California Initiative Would Force State Action if President Exceeds Two-Term Limit
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., announced that a new initiative was cleared for circulation on Jan. 5, 2026, allowing the proponent to begin collecting petition signatures.
The measure, formally titled “Requires State Response if President of the United States Unlawfully Retains Office Beyond Two-Term Limit. Initiative Constitutional Amendment,” directs California to take action if a president remains in office after two terms in violation of the Twenty-Second Amendment.
Under the initiative, if a court finds a president has unlawfully retained office, “The State of California must stop recognizing the individual as President; the Attorney General must take lawful steps to arrest and prosecute the individual; and the Legislature must enact laws disqualifying the individual from future state office.”
The Legislative Analyst ’s Office (LAO) and the Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw estimate a potential increase in one-time state costs “not likely to exceed the low millions of dollars” for enforcement, as well as additional costs to protect state employees, veterans, and servicemembers who refuse unconstitutional orders.
Proponent Roberto Ramos must gather signatures from 874,641 registered voters — 8% of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2022 general election — within 180 days. Petitions must be submitted to county elections officials by July 6, 2026.
The Secretary of State’s tracking number for the measure is 2007, and the Attorney General’s is 25-0030A1. Ramos can be reached at 549 Hilltop Terrace, Palmdale, CA 93551, (808) 600-0636, or RamosR2025@lawnet.ucla.edu.
Joy Atkinson, Advocate for Black Women in Public Policy, Remembered
Joy Atkinson, a longtime civic leader and advocate for Black women in public policy and political leadership, has died.
Atkinson served as consulting executive director of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute and was a founding member of the organization. She spent decades supporting its leadership development programs focused on policy training, civic education and preparation for public service.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Atkinson worked to expand opportunities for Black women in government, advocacy and community leadership. The institute’s programs trained hundreds of women who later pursued roles in public office, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement.
Earlier in her career, Atkinson worked for former California Assemblymember Gwen Moore, where she gained experience in legislative operations and constituent services. She later held several civic leadership roles in Los Angeles, including appointments to city commissions focused on neighborhood empowerment and community engagement.
Atkinson also served as a mentor to women pursuing careers in public service. Her influence continues through the individuals and organizations shaped by her work.
Gov. Newsom Issues Proclamation Announcing June 2 as Primary Election Day
California voters will head to the polls on June 2, 2026, after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation last week declaring the date of the state’s next statewide direct primary election.
The announcement, released on Jan. 5, formally sets the election in accordance with state law and outlines the offices that will appear on the ballot. The primary will determine candidates for California’s top executive, legislative and congressional races ahead of the November general election.
Under the proclamation, voters will cast ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner and state superintendent of public instruction, as well as members of the State Board of Equalization from each of the state’s four districts.
California’s full congressional delegation will be on the primary ballot, with candidates running in each of the state’s 52 U.S. House districts. Legislative races will include state Senate seats from even-numbered districts and all 80 Assembly seats.
“I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, pursuant to California law, including without limitation, section 12000 of the Elections Code, proclaim and order that a Statewide Direct Primary Election will be held throughout this State on Tuesday, the 2nd day of June 2026,” Newsom announced in an official proclamation.
The primary will also include contests for county, judicial and other offices as provided by law. In addition, voters may be asked to decide on proposed constitutional amendments, ballot propositions and other questions that are required to be submitted under state law.
California operates under a top-two primary system, meaning all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same primary ballot. The two candidates who receive the most votes in each race advance to the general election, even if both belong to the same political party.
