Mark Ruffalo calls Gavin Newsom's billionaire tax stance 'disqualifying' ahead of California vote

Actor Mark Ruffalo criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his opposition to a proposed billionaire wealth tax, accusing the Democrat of siding with wealthy interests over working families and questioning his suitability for higher office.

"It’s beyond sad," Ruffalo posted on X. "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's comments come weeks before California residents head to the polls to vote on Proposition 40 — a ballot initiative that would impose a one-time tax equal to 5% of net worth on billionaires who were California residents on Jan. 1, 2026, if approved.

The tax would be due in 2027, although payments could be spread over five years at an additional cost. Real estate, pensions and retirement accounts generally would be excluded from the tax.

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While the measure has been endorsed by the California Democratic Party, some prominent Democrats, including Newsom, have opposed it.

Ruffalo made the remarks Friday while reposting criticism from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. — a supporter of the billionaire wealth tax — who objected to Newsom's support for Proposition 42, a separate measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Proposition 42 would prohibit California from establishing new state taxes on the ownership of financial assets and other personal property, as well as certain retroactive taxes. If approved, it could prevent Proposition 40 from taking effect.

Khanna's post included an image of a Newsom-backed advertisement urging Californians to vote "yes" on Proposition 42.

Ruffalo also criticized Newsom's political image, arguing that the governor — who has been discussed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028 — should focus on economic concerns rather than his public persona.

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"Gavin, we aren't looking for the Democratic version of Trump. That was a good goof. Please try something else. It's tired," Ruffalo said.

"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."

Ruffalo also accused Newsom of repeatedly prioritizing business interests over ordinary Californians.

"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," he said.

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Other prominent figures, including billionaire Mark Cuban, have spoken out against the proposed wealth tax.

California entrepreneur Eric Schiffer, chairman of the family office Patriarch and CEO of Reputation Management Consultants, previously told FOX Business that the proposed tax could drive entrepreneurs and business leaders out of California.

"I think the impact of this passing in California is a giant sucking sound of all of these entrepreneurs being sucked out of California because they're just not going to want to stay," Schiffer said.

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Ruffalo also urged Newsom to reconsider his position.

"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."

FOX Business has reached out to Newsom's office for comment.