Gavin Newsom tests presidential waters in red states as California Democrats struggle to unite behind successor
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is touring deep-red states (Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina) as part of a book tour widely seen as groundwork for a 2028 presidential bid, deliberately avoiding Democratic strongholds to broaden his appeal beyond California’s liberal base.
While Newsom eyes national ambitions, California Democrats remain fractured over his successor, failing to endorse a single candidate at their convention. Rep. Eric Swalwell leads with just 24% support, while Republicans like Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco could advance under California’s top-two primary system.
Newsom downplays any conflict with former VP Kamala Harris, another Californian with presidential aspirations, but their parallel red-state book tours suggest overlapping ambitions. Harris has also been campaigning in conservative regions, signaling a possible 2028 showdown.
Newsom admits his son opposes a presidential run, urging him to spend more time at home—a personal hurdle that may influence his decision-making.
Critics argue his governance—marked by rising homelessness, high taxes and regulatory burdens—makes him a weak national messenger. Despite California’s mass exodus, Newsom dismisses concerns as “California Derangement Syndrome,” avoiding accountability for policy failures.
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