Gov. Gavin Newsom delays state address as California’s Prop. 1 on mental health remains undecided

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has postponed his annual State of the State address from Monday to an unknown date as the fate of his hallmark mental health proposition hangs in the balance.

The governor has staked a large part of his years-long strategy to overhaul homelessness and mental health care on the success of Proposition 1, which was on the March 5 ballot. The measure would outlay $6.4 billion of additional funding — through new bonds and restructuring existing legislation —for more treatment beds and housing. Its failure would be a huge setback for Newsom, who’s facing yet another recall push and has only two more years in office to deliver on his promises to voters.

Although Prop. 1’s opponents have conceded that the measure is likely to pass, the 0.01% margin is not exactly the resounding victory that the governor undoubtedly hoped to tout in his State of the State speech. As of Saturday morning, fewer than 20,000 votes separated the “Yes” from the “No” votes, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

No news agencies, including the Associated Press, have called the measure, which requires a simple majority.

“We are coordinating with the Legislature to set a new date for the Governor’s delivery of the State of the State,” wrote spokeswoman Izzy Gardon in an email Saturday. “Will keep you posted once a date is confirmed.”

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