diff --git a/python/python/tests/test_namespace.py b/python/python/tests/test_namespace.py
index 8417e7384..f51690365 100644
--- a/python/python/tests/test_namespace.py
+++ b/python/python/tests/test_namespace.py
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ def _ipc_file(table: pa.Table = PUSHDOWN_DATA) -> bytes:
 class _FailingSyncInner:
     name = "hist"
 
+    def current_branch(self):
+        # The pushdown gate only routes server-side when on the default branch.
+        return None
+
     async def schema(self):
         return PUSHDOWN_DATA.schema