By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent polls indicate a surge in support for California Governor Gavin Newsom among Democratic voters in the 2028 presidential primary. Morning Consult’s poll showed a significant increase in Newsom’s backing, with 19 percent of Democrats now supporting him. This growth comes as other potential candidates, such as Kamala Harris, experience a decrease in support. Newsom’s increased popularity is attributed to his high-profile engagements against Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump.
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Gavin Newsom surges in new 2028 primary poll. It’s a headline that immediately sparks a mixture of reactions, doesn’t it? There’s an undeniable thrill of potential in seeing a name rise through the ranks, especially when the political landscape feels so volatile. However, the timing of this “surge” is crucial. It’s still early in the game, a long three years before voters even head to the polls. The very idea of a poll impacting a potential presidential bid is a complex one, and there are so many factors at play.
The excitement quickly fades into skepticism. Polls, after all, are snapshots in time, subject to so many variables and prone to being wildly inaccurate. The media loves to anoint winners early on, but remember the “surging” candidates of the past, who then faded just as quickly? It’s a bit like cheering for a horse before it clears the first hurdle; the race has barely begun.
The criticism goes further than just the polls themselves. There’s concern about the type of candidate Newsom represents. Some feel he might simply be an “establishment centrist,” a label that carries considerable weight. There is a fear that such a candidate might fail to inspire and galvanize the electorate, potentially leading to another disappointing defeat. There’s an apprehension about Newsom’s stance on certain social issues, specifically the transgender community.
The strategy of using social media to “troll Trump” might be a good tactic, but it is not a long-term plan. The challenge for any candidate is to stand up to scrutiny. Voters want to know the substance behind the persona, and that’s where the real work begins. There’s a consensus that the focus should be on concrete policies.
There are others that think the Democrats’ best hope is to take the offensive and start shaping the narrative around the opposition. The need to be proactive, to define opponents, and to counter their talking points from the get-go is something that seems critical.
Then there’s the feeling that the political game is rigged. The focus on the endless “horse race,” as it’s often called, often feels like a distraction from real governance. The constant campaigning, the sound bites, the manufactured drama—it can all obscure the actual issues at hand. The voters feel drowned in debt, stagnant wages, and a world where a president like Gavin Newsom will do nothing to help.
It’s important to remember, however, that these early poll numbers could do some good. If Newsom’s numbers are strong, it might encourage other potential candidates to enter the fray, and they might push back harder. It’s still early, and there’s a long road ahead.
There’s a sense of frustration with the available choices. The fear of an establishment candidate, the disappointment with the current state of the political landscape, and the lack of inspiration among the choices. There’s a deep yearning for someone who will champion the values of social justice and equality.
The focus is on making sure the right candidate makes it to the ballot, to have a president who can undo the damage done in the past. It’s a rallying cry for a candidate who is willing to fight and represent the values of the people.
It is worth keeping an eye on these early indicators. But, remember that the election is three years away, and the political world is constantly changing. But there is one last thing to take away from this: the way things are currently going, it’s incredibly unlikely that you will have a free, fair and meaningful presidential election in 2028.