Mullin Fires Back at Newsom Over National Guard in Los Angeles
Mullin. Los Angeles, CA — A political showdown is brewing between U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin and California Governor Gavin Newsom over the recent deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. While Newsom has defended his decision as necessary for public safety amid rising concerns about organized crime and drug trafficking, Mullin has raised sharp criticisms, arguing the move is emblematic of a deeper leadership failure at the state level.
A Clash of Approaches
On June 4, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the deployment of 500 California National Guard troops to assist the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement in Los Angeles. The stated purpose was to combat the surge in organized retail theft, fentanyl distribution, and violent crime in certain high-risk areas.
While some officials welcomed the move as a much-needed show of force, Representative Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) took a starkly different stance.
“This deployment is a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage caused by the Governor’s own lack of sustainable, long-term solutions,” Mullin said during a press briefing. “Throwing National Guard troops into Los Angeles may look decisive, but it dodges the real questions about policing reform, housing, addiction treatment, and poverty alleviation.”
Rising Crime Rates Trigger Controversial Response
The deployment follows months of public pressure on state leadership, with Los Angeles experiencing a notable uptick in certain types of crime. According to LAPD data, violent crime rose by approximately 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Retail theft and opioid-related incidents have also climbed, sparking fears among business owners and residents alike.
Governor Newsom’s office argued that this action was coordinated with local leaders and tailored to support—not replace—existing law enforcement resources.
“We are taking action to restore order in our communities and protect vulnerable citizens,” Newsom stated. “The National Guard will serve a supportive role, gathering intelligence and strengthening the capabilities of our state agencies.”
Mullin’s Concerns Go Deeper
While Mullin does not deny the seriousness of the issues facing Los Angeles, he has characterized the National Guard deployment as a political gesture rather than a public safety solution.
“If the Governor wants to fix L.A., he should start by funding community programs, mental health resources, and drug rehabilitation centers. This is not a war zone—it’s a city that needs comprehensive care, not a military presence,” Mullin told local media.
Mullin also hinted at a broader rift within California’s Democratic leadership. Sources close to the Congressman say he feels sidelined by Newsom’s increasingly unilateral approach to governance, especially when it comes to security and criminal justice matters.
Bipartisan Tensions and Public Opinion
The move has polarized California’s political spectrum. Republicans have largely supported the deployment, citing rising public dissatisfaction with “soft-on-crime” policies. House Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) praised Newsom’s decision but criticized him for not acting sooner.
Democratic voices, however, remain split. While L.A. Mayor Karen Bass expressed cautious support, other leaders—like State Senator María Elena Durazo—voiced concern about the militarization of urban spaces.
Public opinion appears just as divided. A recent statewide poll conducted by the California Policy Institute found:
| Question | Support | Oppose | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you support deploying the National Guard in major California cities to combat crime? | 52% | 34% | 14% |
| Do you believe Governor Newsom is effectively addressing the crime problem? | 41% | 48% | 11% |
| Should California invest more in social programs rather than policing? | 67% | 23% | 10% |
Implications for 2026 Elections
The clash between Mullin and Newsom may foreshadow deeper ideological fractures within the California Democratic Party as the 2026 gubernatorial race looms. Newsom, though barred from running again due to term limits, is believed to be positioning himself for a national role, possibly a presidential bid. Mullin, on the other hand, is seen as a rising voice among progressives who want to steer the party back toward grassroots priorities.
Political analysts note that this dispute could play a key role in shaping campaign narratives.
“This isn’t just about the National Guard,” said Dr. Erica Klein, political science professor at UCLA. “It’s about which vision of public safety Californians believe in—one rooted in enforcement or one built on community.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why did Governor Newsom deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles? | Newsom deployed 500 National Guard troops to assist law enforcement in combating organized crime, drug trafficking (especially fentanyl), and violent incidents in Los Angeles. |
| What is Representative Kevin Mullin’s criticism of the move? | Mullin argues that the deployment is a short-term fix and distracts from deeper problems like housing, addiction, and poverty. He views it as a political rather than practical solution. |
| Is the National Guard replacing police officers in L.A.? | No, they are supporting roles such as intelligence gathering and logistics. Law enforcement duties remain with local police and state agencies. |
| What do Los Angeles residents think? | Public opinion is mixed—some support the added security presence, while others worry about overreach and the potential for misuse of military resources in civilian areas. |
| How does this affect California politics moving forward? | The disagreement between Newsom and Mullin reflects broader ideological divides in the Democratic Party, especially as the 2026 elections approach. |
Expert Opinions
Several criminal justice experts have weighed in on the issue. Dr. Tomas Reyes, a criminologist at UC Berkeley, believes the move could backfire in the long term.
“Military-style policing in cities has a history of damaging community trust. It might calm things short-term but erodes public cooperation,” he said.
Conversely, former LAPD Deputy Chief Maria Solis believes the National Guard could serve a useful function—if properly integrated.
“The Guard isn’t out there making arrests. Their role is more in tech, surveillance, and logistics. That frees up LAPD to focus on direct threats.”
A Larger Debate on Public Safety
This moment underscores a broader national debate: what does effective public safety look like in 2025? While violent crime and drug-related deaths are undeniably pressing issues, the political and philosophical divide on how best to address them remains wide.
Should governments lean on enforcement, deterrence, and surveillance? Or should they invest heavily in prevention, education, and community engagement?
Mullin’s fiery response suggests that some Democrats are not ready to accept a “law-and-order” approach as the new norm.
Conclusion
The conflict between Representative Kevin Mullin and Governor Gavin Newsom over the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles is more than a political skirmish—it’s a collision of visions for California’s future.
As crime continues to rise and residents demand action, state leaders are under immense pressure to deliver results. Newsom has chosen a tactical approach with visible state intervention, while Mullin champions a systemic, community-centered response.
Whichever side prevails, the outcome will have long-lasting implications—not only for Los Angeles but for California’s evolving identity as a political and cultural bellwether in America.
The debate is far from over, but one thing is clear: California’s path forward will be shaped by how its leaders respond to the challenges of crime, governance, and accountability—not just in policy, but in principle.