Marvel Hulk star Mark Ruffalo has escalated his criticism of California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, arguing that the governor’s stance on Proposition 42 makes him unfit for higher office. The attack extends Ruffalo’s repeated complaints that Newsom favors billionaires over working people.

Ruffalo, who stars in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has also criticized Newsom for supporting the Paramount takeover of Warner Bros. The actor has portrayed the governor’s political choices as breaks for wealthy interests.

Newsom is widely expected to run for president in 2028, but Ruffalo argued Friday on X that his position on Proposition 42 should disqualify him. The measure aims to prevent a state wealth tax involving unrealized investment gains before assets are sold.

“It’s beyond sad. It’s beyond disappointing; at this point, it’s disqualifying for anyone with ambitions for higher office as a Democrat, or a Republican, for that matter, to be fighting to keep billionaires from being taxed while kids don’t have health insurance and the cost of living goes sky-high,” Ruffalo wrote.

The actor then connected his criticism of billionaires to artificial intelligence, employment and the wealth gap. He also directed readers to a documentary.

“These billionaires are also the ones hellbent on replacing entire workforces with the AI they are developing with our tax dollars (watch the “Musk” doc). We are also living through the largest wealth gap in modern history,” Ruffalo continued.

Ruffalo presented taxation as the only available answer to what he described as economic forces influencing politicians and disadvantaging workers. “At this point, the only way to balance out the economic forces that have bought our politicians and keep rigging the game against working people is through taxes.”

The actor urged Newsom to reverse course, framing the governor’s position as a damaging use of his influence. “Let’s hope Gavin gets some sense and walks this back. It’s crazy that this is what he chooses to spend his political capital, and part of his legacy, doing.”

Ruffalo also pointed to Newsom’s vetoes of legislation addressing artificial intelligence and chemicals in cookware. He argued that those decisions fit what he described as an enduring pattern of siding with corporate interests.

“He vetoed the bill that would have put a “kill switch” on AI for our protection. He vetoed a bill that would have gotten chemicals forever out of cookware. Time and time again, he goes with corporate interests over the well-being of the people, even after his own bipartisan legislature votes for something,” Ruffalo wrote.

The criticism then shifted to Newsom’s political image and potential appeal to Democratic voters. Ruffalo dismissed what he portrayed as an attempt to become a Democratic counterpart to President Donald Trump.

“And here we go again,” he continued. “Gavin, we aren’t looking for the Democratic version of Trump. That was a good goof. Please try something else. It’s tired.”

Ruffalo concluded the Friday attack by calling for a political figure willing to confront economic inequality beyond social media posts and public appearances. He said people need someone prepared to take on the divide between billionaires and the public.

“The people need a champion, man. A real, bona fide champion who isn’t just tough in tweets or press conferences, but tough when it comes to the real imbalances people are struggling with every day: billionaires vs. people and the planet,” he concluded.

It’s beyond sad. It’s beyond disappointing; at this point, it’s disqualifying for anyone with ambitions for higher office as a Democrat, or a Republican, for that matter, to be fighting to keep billionaires from being taxed while kids don’t have health insurance and the cost of living goes sky-high.

These billionaires are also the ones hellbent on replacing entire workforces with the AI they are developing with our tax dollars (watch the “Musk” doc). We are also living through the largest wealth gap in modern history. At this point, the only way to balance out the economic forces that have bought our politicians and keep rigging the game against working people is through taxes. Let’s hope Gavin gets some sense and walks this back. It’s crazy that this is what he chooses to spend his political capital, and part of his legacy, doing. He vetoed the bill that would have put a “kill switch” on AI for our protection. He vetoed a bill that would have gotten forever chemicals out of cookware. Time and time again, he goes with corporate interests over the well-being of the people, even after his own bipartisan legislature votes for something. And here we go again. Gavin, we aren’t looking for the Democratic version of Trump. That was a good goof. Please try something else. It’s tired. The people need a champion, man. A real, bona fide champion who isn’t just tough in tweets or press conferences, but tough when it comes to the real imbalances people are struggling with every day: billionaires vs. people and the planet. — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 16, 2026

The Friday broadside followed another post from Ruffalo on Wednesday targeting Newsom over Proposition 42. In that message, the actor again linked the measure to the Paramount and Warner Bros. deal.

“Once again. Just like the Paramount Merger, Gavin Newsom does what he always does. Sells out the working-class people for the billionaires again and again. Not only that but endorses a bill that will make it impossible to tax the wealthy at all,” Ruffalo wrote on X.

Once again. Just like the Paramount Merger Gavin Newsom does what he always does. Sells out the working class people for the billionaires again and again. Not only that but endorses a bill that will make it impossible to tax the wealthy at all.

https://t.co/YCLE9ZrYnJ — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 14, 2026

Ruffalo’s attacks present Newsom’s handling of Proposition 42 as part of a repeated preference for corporate and billionaire interests. The criticism comes from an actor whose own reported net worth exceeds $35 million.

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