Gavin Newsom Faces Growing Criticism as California Governor

SACRAMENTO, California — As the gubernatorial election approaches, Governor Gavin Newsom is feeling the heat from Democratic candidates vying for his position. Despite his efforts to maintain a favorable legacy, signs suggest his last term may be challenging.

Political scientist Eric Schickler from UC Berkeley notes, “Lots of voters think things are not going well in California right now. So if you’re running for governor, you have to run as a change candidate.” This shift inherently criticizes Newsom’s governance.

With less than two years left in his term, Newsom’s popularity is further challenged by perceptions that he is shifting rightward to appeal to a national audience ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028. A recent poll co-sponsored by the L.A. Times reveals that a significant majority of voters believe Newsom’s policies are not effectively addressing current issues.

The governor drew ire after highlighting conservative activists on his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom.” Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego) expressed his frustration, stating he was “profoundly sickened” by Newsom’s comments regarding trans athlete policies, which further alienated progressive supporters.

Newsom’s proposed budget cuts, including restrictions on free healthcare for low-income undocumented immigrants and potential reductions in funding for Medi-Cal, have also incited backlash from his allies. Planned Parenthood’s Jodi Hicks described the proposed cuts as “cruel.”

In a recent budget press conference, Newsom criticized local leaders for failing to address issues like homelessness, pointing out that “It is not the state of California that remains the biggest impediment.” However, his remarks were met with criticism from the League of California Cities, which argued that his budget proposals fell short of addressing local needs.

As the landscape heats up for the upcoming election, it is clear that Newsom’s path forward will require navigating significant political pushback, which could impact both his legacy and his potential aspirations for higher office.