A recent report reveals that California experienced over 50,000 fatalities last year, stirring a contentious discussion among Gov. Gavin Newsom and state officials regarding the state’s trajectory.
The California Treasury issued a press release on Friday, attributing the significant decline in population growth to “restrictive federal policy changes” related to legal immigration. They downplayed the 50,000 deaths, calling it a minor dip—less than 0.15% of the total population.
However, later that evening on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Newsom argued that California’s population is indeed increasing.
“We’ve actually seen population growth over the last three years. It’s time we reassess our narrative,” Newsom stated during the show.
This claim does have some merit.
Critics of the governor, however, were quick to push back, suggesting that Newsom was attempting to redirect blame.
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and Republican gubernatorial candidate, interrupted Newsom’s comments during the show. “This clearly shows Mr. Newsom misled Bill Maher when he asserted that California’s population is growing,” Hilton remarked. “His own data indicates the opposite.”
The state’s Department of Finance reported that the number of legal international migrants fell sharply—from 248,400 in 2024 down to just 126,400 in 2025, a drop exceeding 50%.
Officials noted that, without changes to federal immigration policies, California’s population would have increased by 66,000 people.
The press release from state officials mentioned that “legal net overseas immigration has significantly contributed to California’s overall population, offsetting natural increases and declines in domestic migration.”
California Republican Party Chairman Colin Rankin asserted that Newsom and officials are misidentifying the problem.
“Californians aren’t leaving because Washington is enforcing laws,” Rankin said. “They’re leaving because Sacramento has made life too costly and dangerous for a stable future.”
Four of California’s ten largest cities saw population declines last year, with Los Angeles—home to approximately 3.8 million—losing 0.9% of its residents. Los Angeles County also decreased by 0.6%, leading the way among counties with declines.
In total, the largest counties, which are home to 72% of Californians, collectively lost around 52,000 residents.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Nick Poche stated, “Gavin Newsom is losing his grip as President Trump threatens to win over his strongest supporter.”
Costly housing remains a primary factor driving residents away from the state.
According to the latest report, California added only 115,165 housing units in 2025, reflecting a meager 0.77% rise, down from the prior year’s 0.84% increase.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) accounted for a notable 29,710 new homes last year, but this isn’t enough to resolve the crisis. Wildfires took a toll, as 11,160 individuals were displaced due to the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Hilton remarked that the 115,000 housing units fall short of Newsom’s target for the year, stating, “They’re not even halfway there. They’re failing on multiple fronts.”
“California remains the finest place in the country, yet people can’t afford to live here, and they’re fed up with crime, disorder, and homelessness. That’s why we need to vote for change this November,” he added.
Interestingly, population growth was chiefly noted in the interior regions. Sacramento County welcomed 9,000 new residents, and areas like Riverside and San Bernardino have also seen slight increases, as people move to more affordable locations.
Placer County recorded the highest growth rate at 1.39%, followed by Yuba County at 1.24%, and San Benito County at 0.69%. Among the ten largest cities, Sacramento grew by 1.3%, gaining 6,809 residents, while San Diego’s population rose by 10,102, marking a growth of 0.7%.
Across the state, 148 cities experienced population increases, while 333 saw declines.
