California Gov. Gavin Newsom was criticized for claiming that Florida and Texas, not California, are the "real high-tax states". This claim was made during a speech at the SXSW conference in Austin, Tex. The Institute for Taxation and Policy study found that Florida ranks the highest of any US state in "tax inequality," or the share of taxes paid by the poorest compared to the richest. Critics argue that California's high cost of living, including significantly higher housing and fuel costs compared to other states, justifies the claim. Newsom also hinted at a potential presidential bid in 2028.