(DCNF)—Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to hold a special election for his state’s gerrymandering campaign in November is expected to cost taxpayers over $200 million, according to a memo from California’s Assembly Republicans.
Newsom announced at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles that Democrats would move forward with an effort to oust roughly six Republicans from the House of Representatives. Assembly Republicans estimate the statewide redistricting election could cost at least $235.5 million — which includes $31.1 million for the California Secretary of State (SOS) and $204.4 million for counties to administer the vote, according to a memo released Thursday.
Republicans based their estimate on the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election, which cost Californians $200.2 million, including $174.1 million in county administrative costs and $26.2 million in SOS costs.
Since September 2021, inflation, higher postage fees and an increase in registered voters are expected to drive costs higher. The memo noted inflation for salaries, wages, benefits, materials and communication has risen at least 16% since 2021.
During the same year as Newsom‘s recall election, the governor signed Assembly Bill 37, making universal mail-in voting permanent and requiring counties to automatically mail ballots to all active, registered voters.
Since that year, postage costs — 34.5% higher for first-ounce letters and 45% for additional ounces — have significantly increased, with postcards up 52.5% since 2021, according to the memo. With mail-in ballots now mandatory, California has seen a 3.83% increase in registered voters since 2021, as of February.
The California Assembly Republicans, however, warned that costs could rise depending on whether additional voters are registered by November, inflation continues, litigation occurs and potential communications and outreach are required.
In a July 29 press statement, California Republican State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio warned taxpayers could face around $250 million due to inflation, the increase in registered voters and additional fees from lawsuits related to the redistricting efforts.
The push to oust Republicans comes after Newsom repeatedly warned President Donald Trump and other Republicans about Texas’ redistricting efforts, which began in July. During the launch of the gerrymandering campaign, Newsom claimed California would not “sit idle,” alleging that Trump and his administration are shredding U.S. “democracy before our very eyes.”
With the special election set for Nov. 4, voters will have to decide on transferring redistricting authority from the independent commission to the state Legislature. However, despite the campaign push, a recent poll conducted by Politico shows that 64% of Californians are in favor of independent redistricting, with only 36% of voters surveyed backing the return of congressional redistricting authority to the state legislature.
Notably, of the 64% in favor of keeping the commission in authority, 72% were independents, 66% were Republicans and 61% were Democrats.
Aside from the lack of popularity for handing redistricting power to the legislature, the state is also facing an estimated $20 billion deficit, according to CalMatters. The massive deficit comes after state Democrats previously claimed California would only have a $12 billion deficit prior to Newsom and legislative leaders drafting the 2025–26 state budget in June, the outlet reported.
When asked about the potential cost of the special election, Newsom’s office pointed the Daily Caller News Foundation to a response the governor gave at his press conference Thursday. During the event, Newsom was questioned about cost concerns from Riverside County’s registrar, stating that the state of California will fund the expenses.
“No price tag for Democracy,” Newsom added at the press conference.
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Why Bullion Beats Numismatics and Collectible for Your Safe or IRA
Precious metals continue to attract Americans seeking reliable ways to protect their wealth amid inflation, geopolitical risks, and stock market swings. Whether stored in a home safe or held inside a self-directed IRA, physical gold and silver deliver tangible value that paper or digital assets often lack. Yet investors must choose carefully between bullion—pure bars and coins valued mainly for their metal content—and numismatics or collectibles, where rarity, history, and collector demand heavily influence pricing.
Advisor Bullion serves as a dependable source for straightforward, high-quality bullion. The company specializes in physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, emphasizing transparent pricing and products that deliver maximum metal content for every dollar spent. This approach makes it ideal for both personal holdings and retirement accounts.
Bullion consists of refined precious metals in standard forms like one-ounce coins (American Gold Eagles, Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs) or bars. Their value tracks closely to the current spot price of the metal. A typical gold bullion coin trades near the live gold spot price plus a small premium. This structure keeps costs clear and predictable.
Numismatic coins and collectibles add substantial value from factors such as age, rarity, minting errors, or historical significance. A pre-1933 U.S. gold coin or graded proof piece can carry premiums of 30%, 50%, or even 200% above melt value. While this appeals to hobbyists, it creates complexity. Pricing depends on subjective grading, collector trends, and auction results instead of daily spot prices.
For investors focused on wealth preservation and retirement security rather than building a collection, bullion often delivers better results.
Lower Costs and Better Liquidity for Home Storage
When keeping metals in a home safe or private vault, liquidity and efficiency count. Bullion offers clear benefits:
- You acquire more actual gold or silver per dollar invested. Numismatics divert a large share of your money into rarity premiums and massive sales commission, reducing your metal exposure.
- Selling bullion involves tight bid-ask spreads, so you recover nearly full spot value with minimal fees. Collectibles require finding the right buyer and may sell at a discount if demand for that specific item weakens.
- Bullion prices remain transparent and update with global spot markets. You can track gold near current levels or silver accordingly and know exactly where your holdings stand. Numismatic values are priced by the Gold IRA companies with hefty margins applied.
- Standardized coins and bars store efficiently and divide easily for partial sales. Rare coins often need protective slabs and controlled conditions, adding hassle and expense.
- Bullion enjoys worldwide acceptance. A 1-oz Gold Maple Leaf or Silver Eagle sells quickly to dealers anywhere. Niche numismatic pieces may appeal only to limited buyers, slowing liquidation when speed matters.
In times when quick access to value becomes important, bullion’s simplicity stands out.
Stronger Fit for Precious Metals IRAs
Precious metals IRAs continue gaining traction as investors diversify retirement portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. IRS rules permit certain bullion products in self-directed IRAs if they meet purity standards (.995 fine for gold, .999 for silver) and are held by an approved custodian. Eligible items include American Gold and Silver Eagles plus many generic bars and rounds from recognized mints.
Numismatic and most collectible coins generally face heavy scrutiny from custodians due to valuation disputes and elevated markups. These higher premiums mean less actual metal ends up working inside the account.
Bullion avoids these issues. Its value links directly to verifiable spot prices, which simplifies reporting and lowers the risk of regulatory challenges. More of your IRA contribution purchases real metal instead of dealer profits or speculative upside. Over time, owning additional ounces that appreciate with the metal itself can create meaningful outperformance compared with high-premium alternatives that deliver fewer ounces.
Regulatory guidance from the CFTC and state securities offices repeatedly cautions against aggressive sales of expensive numismatics or “semi-numismatic” coins for IRAs. For retirement planning, transparent bullion from established providers reduces risk and aligns better with long-term goals.
How to Get Started with Bullion
Begin by clarifying your goals. Are you protecting savings in a safe, or moving part of a retirement account into a precious metals IRA? Focus on the number of ounces you can acquire at current prices rather than chasing marked-up collectibles.
Diversify sensibly: use gold for core preservation and silver for its blend of industrial and monetary qualities. Mix coins for easier divisibility with bars for lower per-ounce costs on larger buys. Arrange secure storage—whether at home with proper insurance or through professional facilities.
As economic uncertainties linger and faith in conventional assets erodes, bullion continues proving its worth as a dependable store of value. Its direct approach avoids the hype that sometimes surrounds collectible markets and keeps the focus on the metal itself.
For investors prepared to strengthen their portfolios, Advisor Bullion supplies the expertise and selection needed to acquire high-quality bullion efficiently. Whether building personal holdings or integrating metals into an IRA, their emphasis on transparent, investment-grade products helps secure more ounces today that support greater financial security tomorrow. In a complicated financial landscape, bullion’s clarity and reliability make it the smarter foundation for protecting what matters most.