Chris Ward is a Democratic member of the California State Assembly representing the 78th District in the San Diego area. He previously served on the San Diego City Council.
Case
Newsom vetoed AB 1542, which would have restricted sensitive-data sales and sharing. He cited consumer choice and costs; Chris Ward and privacy advocates say existing protections are inadequate.
Role at the time: California assemblymember and author of AB 1542, in a press release
Statement summary
Assemblymember Chris Ward, the author of AB 1542, said in a press release that he is deeply disappointed by the Governor's decision to veto the bill and that Californians should not have to worry that the most sensitive details of their lives are being bought and sold to the highest bidder.
“I am deeply disappointed by the Governor’s decision to veto AB 1542”
The reference point is Newsom's decision to veto AB 1542, the bill that would have barred businesses from selling or sharing sensitive personal information. Ward says he is deeply disappointed by the veto and that Californians should not have to worry that their most sensitive details are being sold, which rejects the veto, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Challenged the characterization, because he also disputes the premise that existing protections suffice; he states a verdict on the veto itself, so it loses.
Statement dates: September 28, 2026
Statement dates: September 28, 2026
