California Governor Candidates Back AI Employment Restrictions

California Governor Candidates Align on AI Workplace Protections

Both candidates vying to become California's next governor have expressed support for new restrictions on how employers use artificial intelligence in workplace decisions, signaling bipartisan momentum for AI regulation in the nation's tech hub.

Democrat Xavier Becerra, who leads in polls to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, told reporters at a Long Beach campaign stop that he supports "putting guardrails on AI," though he acknowledged not knowing the specifics of all pending measures. Republican challenger Steve Hilton has gone further, endorsing an outright ban on employers using automated systems for termination, demotion, or disciplinary decisions.

The convergence comes as California lawmakers have sent more than 20 AI-related bills to Newsom's desk, with a September deadline for action. Among them is SB 947, which would prohibit employers from relying solely on AI to discipline or fire workers. The legislation has united unlikely allies, including the California Federation of Labor and Hilton, who wrote to the union's president that "the unions got it right" on this issue.

Why it matters

California's approach to AI regulation carries national significance given the state's concentration of AI companies and its history of setting technology standards that other states follow. The bipartisan support for workplace AI restrictions suggests these policies could survive regardless of which party controls the governor's office, potentially reshaping how companies deploy automation in employment decisions across the country's largest state economy.

Different Approaches, Shared Concerns

While both candidates support AI restrictions, their broader regulatory philosophies diverge. During May primary debates, Becerra emphasized working with industry to develop "clear rules" that protect workers and children without driving companies to relocate overseas. He also suggested AI companies should provide Californians "a little extra," without elaborating on the specifics.

Hilton, by contrast, rejected proposals to tax the AI industry or mandate worker compensation, criticizing what he called California's reflexive resort to taxation. During a CBS California debate, he declined to give a simple yes-or-no answer on chatbot restrictions for young users, saying his position was "more nuanced."

Previous Veto and Stronger Language

SB 947 represents the second attempt to regulate AI in employment decisions. Newsom vetoed similar 2025 legislation that would have required written notice when automated systems influenced decisions on wages, discipline, or termination. This year's bill goes further with an outright ban enforceable by the California attorney general and district attorneys.

Becerra received substantial financial support from Anthropic employees during the final weeks of his primary campaign. The AI company has publicly advocated for increased safety guardrails on artificial intelligence systems.

Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the pending legislation, according to the Sacramento Bee, which first reported the candidates' positions.