Gov. Gavin Newsom's not holding back on his feelings around the U.S. Senate vote to block the state from banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars in 2035.

“This is all about polluters being able to pollute more. Big oil buying off politicians,” the governor said.

Republicans argue that California’s auto ban, affecting approximately 11% of the U.S. market, could limit vehicle choices nationwide. Congress voted to block the ban, with some Democrats joining Republicans. 

One Democratic senator voted with Republicans as well.

Political Analyst Chris Micheli said concerns over affordability are influencing politicians across states, but not necessarily a reflection of the party as a whole.

“I think a few of those folks were outliers,” Micheli said. “They were from the proverbial purple districts where, for them and a lot of Republican legislators, this is a pocketbook issue.”