Although we have a long way to go until the 2028 presidential election, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom is secretly being eyed for the Democratic nominee. It’s way too soon to confirm his pick, but experts and insiders are sharing their thoughts on Newson, especially as he sets himself up as a clear opponent of President Donald Trump.
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The 57-year-old hasn’t backed down from Trump, even after he sent the National Guard to Los Angeles and after his nefarious redistricting plan to gain more Republican seats in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms. According to White House reporter Lauren Egan, this makes Newsom attractive to the Democratic party, who is still struggling to find their footing post the November election.
“To Newsom’s credit, he’s figured out how to spar with Trump in a way that drives attention, particularly around the redistricting fight,” Egan told the New York Times. “Out of all the Democratic officials who have started podcasts since the 2024 election, Newsom is the only one who has built a respectable audience. That matters.”
Compared to other Democrats, Newsom represents a breath of fresh air and a familiar era of politicians. He usually goes by the book, but he’s also not afraid to be outspoken, especially against Trump. Still, White House reporter Lauren Egan said Democrats should “be careful about allowing him to become their answer to Trump.” The reason why lies in optics. “He’s a walking poster child for the coastal elite,” Egan continued.
Regardless, Newsom is well liked within his party. Adam Jentleson, a writer and political commentator, told the New York Times Newsom is always up for a fight, and that’s why folks like him. “He’s showing he’s got that dog in him,” he said. “We need someone who relishes the fight and can generate a lot of attention and be comfortable across a range of mediums.”
For instance, Newsom has all but mastered trolling the president online. On X, Newsom’s press office used all caps, MAGA phrases, threats and personal praise– reminiscent of Trump’s social media playbook– to confront him about the redistricting debacle:
“FINAL WARNING DONALD TRUMP — MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT WARNING IN HISTORY! STOP CHEATING OR CALIFORNIA WILL REDRAW THE MAPS. AND GUESS WHO WILL ANNOUNCE IT THIS WEEK? GAVIN NEWSOM (MANY SAY THE MOST LOVED & HANDSOME GOVERNOR) AND A VERY POWERFUL TEAM. DON’T MAKE US DO IT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER,” the Aug. 12 post read.
But just because the governor’s got the MAGA rhetoric down pat doesn’t mean all Democrats are supportive of it. Journalist Frank Bruni said this strategy could come back to bite the Democrat.
“I do worry that Newsom’s approach bucks the political truism that elections are about contrasts, blurs the line between Democratic decorum and the moral obscenity of Trump,” he said.
Democrats historically are by the back and like order. In fact, many insiders said this is what led to that major presidential loss in 2024. Newsom’s willingness to buck this system in response to Trump could be seen as too much too soon… even for liberals. Bruni continued saying fighting fire with fire “simply ignores the lack of success that Democrats have had in talking and talking and talking about how awful Trump is.”
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