Staff Reports
In a surprising twist of political fortune, California Governor Gavin Newsom seems to be riding a wave of popularity, according to a recent poll. The poll, conducted by Emerson College, shows that Newsom enjoys the support of 25% of likely voters for the 2028 Democratic nomination. This gives him a solid nine-point edge over Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and a 14-point advantage over former Vice President Kamala Harris. While Newsom’s rise in the polls may be exciting for some, others are raising eyebrows and a few alarms at the prospect of him leading the Democratic ticket.
Digging into the particulars, it’s worth noting that Kamala Harris’s popularity is slipping like socks off a toddler. Her support has plummeted from 13% to 11% since June, suggesting Democrats might be looking for someone—anyone—who can shake things up. Meanwhile, Newsom has been busy making headlines on the national stage, while Harris appears to have gone on a vacation from political life since she decided not to run for governor in California. Could it be that voters are simply swayed by the shiny new object rather than actual substance?
What really stands out in the recent poll is the alarming shift in younger voters. Newsom has seen a 12% increase in support among voters under 30, not to mention double-digit gains with both white and Black voters. This tidbit might scare some Republicans, especially since many remember his performance during his time as mayor. Some could argue that he is excellent at talking a big game, but when it comes to delivering results, the numbers just don’t add up. Amidst what some are calling a “snake oil salesman” display, voters are captivated, perhaps forgetting that California’s issues have not magically disappeared under his watch.
Among the many quirks of this poll is the curious satisfaction level among Republicans and Democrats alike. While Republicans are feeling optimistic, enjoying a sense of contentment about the nation’s trajectory, Democrats are left scratching their heads. Zero percent of Democrats surveyed were satisfied with the current state of their party or the direction of the country. This leaves one wondering: what exactly are they looking for? With Republicans seemingly thriving, the questioning of Democratic leadership could open doors for someone like Newsom, who can present himself as a “centrist” with a stylish haircut.
With three years to go until the 2028 nomination, Newsom has time to keep the spotlight warm on him. Yet the question lingers: can he maintain this momentum without fizzling out like a forgotten soda in the back of the fridge? Republicans like to say that a centrist approach can work wonders at the ballot box, and if Newsom can convince voters that he’s the answer to their issues, he might be a more formidable opponent than many think.
As the 2028 nomination cycle begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Newsom, Buttigieg, and Harris. With significant voter dissatisfaction brewing, there may be room for reshuffling in the Democrat camp. While Republicans are keeping an eye out for potential challengers, it is clear that this is just the beginning of a long political journey leading into the next election cycle. It will be interesting to see if Gavin Newsom can continue to dazzle voters or if the political stage will see an entirely different kind of flair.
