Governor Gavin Newsom should shift his attention from national politics to important races in California. Although he’s no longer in the spotlight for national positions, he has a chance to play a significant role in his home state.
Several key congressional races in California will influence which party controls the next U.S. House of Representatives. Newsom could help Democrats win back the House, which is currently under tight Republican control.
Newsom’s ambitions on the national stage have diminished, especially after Vice President Kamala Harris quickly rose to the Democratic presidential nomination following President Biden’s withdrawal. If Harris wins in November and seeks reelection in 2028, Newsom will not run against her. By 2032, Newsom will be 64 and may face many younger candidates, making his presidential prospects uncertain.
Even if Harris loses to Donald Trump, Newsom’s chances for 2028 are uncertain, as other contenders may emerge.
Newsom may not genuinely desire to run for president. It seems he wants to be seen as a potential candidate and gain national recognition rather than actively pursuing the role. His absence from a major speaking opportunity at the Democratic National Convention, due to a claimed scheduling conflict, raises questions about his commitment.
Newsom struggles with dyslexia, which complicates his public speaking. This has led him to avoid giving annual State of the State addresses. Despite being a strong ad-libber, he finds prepared speeches challenging.
While other governors used the convention to gain national attention, Newsom’s role in national campaigns has diminished. Kamala Harris may not use him as a surrogate, given their shared liberal background, which could be a disadvantage in swing states.
However, Newsom can still make a difference in California’s competitive congressional races by raising money and boosting Democratic turnout. Despite his 2022 reelection loss to Republican Brian Dahle, he could support Democratic candidates effectively if he focuses on targeted efforts.
Overall, Newsom should concentrate on local races and his duties as governor while potentially setting the stage for future national opportunities.