The Democrat running to be California’s next governor said he wants to extend government-funded healthcare to everyone in the state, including those illegally in the United States.
“I did universal healthcare when I was mayor — fully implemented, regardless of pre-existing condition, ability to pay, and regardless of your immigration status,” said Gavin Newsom in an interview on Pod Save America released Tuesday. “San Francisco is the only universal healthcare plan for all undocumented residents in America. Very proud of that … I’d like to see that extended to the rest of the state.”
About 2.35 million people living in the Golden State in 2014 were illegal immigrants, according to Pew Research.
Newsom said the system he implemented as mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011 “proved” the local government could fund healthcare for those who could not afford it, as well as those unlawfully present, without driving the city broke.
He added that the state’s executive office should oversee any major healthcare changes instead of relying on lawmakers in Sacramento to do so, citing former President Barack Obama’s major role in helping guide Obamacare through Congress.
Newsom is running to succeed Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. In the most recent polling conducted earlier this summer, Newsom had a significant lead over Republican John Cox, 53 percent to 29 percent, according to Real Clear Politics.
