Kevin Kiley, U.S. Congressman representing California’s 3rd district since 2023, has publicly criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on his proposed federal legislation to reduce and cap California’s gas tax, as well as the governor’s approach to state transparency regarding fraud investigations.
On February 14, 2026, Kiley posted: “Newsom has given his official response to my bill to cut California’s gas tax: ‘No thank you, Congressman.’ Fortunately, he doesn’t get a vote.”
The following day, Kiley alleged that Governor Newsom is attempting to obscure information related to large-scale fraud in California. On February 15, 2026, he wrote: “Newsom knows if the true scale of fraud in CA comes to light, his presidential campaign is over. That’s why he’s pushing legislation to hide High-Speed Rail records. We already know about $32 billion in EDD fraud, billions with SNAP/Medi-Cal, and millions in financial aid.”
Continuing his criticism on February 16, 2026, Kiley reiterated concerns over high fuel costs and state taxation policies: “Shockingly, Newsom has come out against my bill in Congress to cap California’s gas tax. This is despite the fact that gas prices have risen 40 cents in CA in the last month and our state has by far the highest gas tax in the nation.”
Kiley’s recent statements are part of ongoing debates over taxation and government accountability in California. Before serving in Congress beginning in 2023—succeeding John Garamendi—Kiley was a member of the California State Assembly from 2016 through 2022. Born in Sacramento and currently residing in Rocklin at age 38, Kiley holds degrees from Harvard University (BA) and Yale University (JD).
