California Voters Do Not Want Gavin Newsom To Run for President: Poll

A recent poll shows that most California voters do not support Governor Gavin Newsom as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in 2028. Despite being a prominent figure in the Democratic party and serving as California’s governor since 2019, Newsom has not officially declared his candidacy for the presidency. The poll, conducted by Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill, revealed that 59% of respondents do not want Newsom to run for president, with a divide along party lines. While 61% of Democrats support Newsom, a majority of Republicans and independents in the state oppose his candidacy. Newsom’s approval rating among respondents is at 33%, with 42% disapproval and 24% remaining neutral.

The same poll also indicated a decline in approval ratings for former President Donald Trump, with the economy and housing affordability ranking as top concerns for California voters. Newsom has expressed concerns about the current Democratic brand, calling it “toxic” during a recent appearance on a talk show. The poll results suggest that there is limited support for Newsom as a presidential candidate in California, citing factors like economic issues and housing market volatility as reasons for the shift in voter sentiment. As Newsom’s term as governor comes to an end in 2026, speculation arises about potential successors, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor or the White House in 2028.