Watch live: Gov. Gavin Newsom's final State of the State speech steeped in rosy view of California, his record as governor

"In his final State of the State address, Gov. Gavin Newsom will look to define his legacy by touting California's economic and policy achievements while casting the state as a counterweight to dysfunction in Washington. The speech, which he will deliver Thursday morning to lawmakers in the Capitol, highlights economic strength, falling homelessness and expanded education funding, while also offering a glimpse of how Newsom is positioning himself beyond his final year in office."

"In a summary of the speech provided Thursday morning, Newsom portrayed California as a financial powerhouse that strives to help those in need and works diligently to address its own shortcomings, including high housing costs, unlike the chaotic Trump administration. Newsom, who has acknowledged that he is considered a 2028 bid for president, argues that the state is positioned not just to endure the moment but to help shape what comes next nationally."

"Despite some improvements, California has been home to nearly a quarter of the nation's homeless population, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Newsom also said two of his top priorities the mental health program known as CARE Court and Proposition 1, the statewide bond measure he championed to provide funding for mental health and homelessness are achieving results ahead of schedule, with counties now equipped with funding, authority and tools to combat the crisis."

California shows economic strength alongside targeted policy measures aimed at reducing homelessness and expanding education funding. An estimated 9% statewide drop in unsheltered homelessness occurred last year, though the state still accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population. The CARE Court mental health program and Proposition 1 bond are reported to be delivering results ahead of schedule, with counties receiving funding, authority and tools to respond. Affordability remains a multi-layered crisis, prompting a tougher stance on private equity and institutional purchases of homes. California is cast as a counterweight to federal dysfunction with ambitions to influence national policy beyond the governor’s final year.

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