During an interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged his consideration of a 2028 presidential bid but emphasized his focus on the upcoming midterm elections. Newsom’s comments followed his recent visit to South Carolina and highlighted the importance of his brand on a national stage. While expressing openness to a future run, he also acknowledged potential challenges, including a crowded Democratic primary and a likely conservative opponent. Newsom’s current political strategy involves challenging Republican efforts in redistricting, particularly in response to the actions of the Republican president and his allies.
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Following a controversial advertisement from the Ontario government featuring Ronald Reagan, former President Donald Trump announced increased tariffs on Canada. The ad, which Trump claimed misrepresented Reagan’s views, led him to suspend trade talks with Canada and impose a 10% tariff increase. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s actions, labeling him a “man child” for allegedly punishing the American people due to hurt feelings. The advertisement itself, which the Reagan Foundation also criticized, aired during the World Series despite earlier condemnation.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced concern regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) deployment of poll watchers to several California counties, including those requested by the California Republican Party. Newsom suggests this is a prelude to challenging the election results, particularly if Democrats are successful. He further warned of the potential involvement of other federal agencies like ICE and Border Patrol. While local election officials have stated that the presence of election observers is a standard practice, this marks another point of tension between Newsom and the Trump administration, mirroring prior disputes over federal intervention in California.
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In late October 2025, a video of California Governor Gavin Newsom stating he would send knee pads to CEOs, universities, and Republicans “bending the knee” to Donald Trump began circulating on social media. The quote was pulled from a press event at the 2025 California Economic Summit, where Newsom made the statement and subsequently posted the clip on his official X account. The “patriot site” Newsom referenced then listed the knee pads for sale at a price of $0.00 but with a “sold out” label. Based on Newsom’s official statements, the claim is attributed as correct.
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A recent Emerson College poll reveals that a majority of likely California voters support Proposition 50, Governor Newsom’s redistricting effort, with 57% in favor. This support represents a shift, as certain demographics, including Black voters, have increased their backing of the measure. Proposition 50 would allow the state Legislature to bypass the independent redistricting commission, and the poll indicates it is likely to pass, outside the margin of error. The survey was conducted from October 20-21 with a sample of 900 likely voters and a margin of error of 3.19 percentage points.
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To address potential food shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks across the state. This action is taken in response to delayed SNAP benefits affecting 5.5 million Californians and the potential depletion of CalFresh funding. The state is also allocating up to $80 million in emergency funding to further assist food banks. This humanitarian mission echoes similar efforts during the pandemic and aims to ensure families have access to essential food resources.
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During a Marine Corps 250th-anniversary celebration, live ammunition was fired over a California freeway, resulting in shrapnel striking vehicles, including a CHP patrol car and a car from a motorcade. Governor Newsom expressed concerns about the use of live ammunition and ordered part of Interstate 5 closed, despite initial assurances from the Marine Corps that no closures would occur. Following the incident, Newsom criticized the Trump administration via X, highlighting the White House’s downplaying of safety concerns and the premature detonation of ordnance. The governor’s office demanded an apology from the White House.
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Following a live-fire demonstration held for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on X after an artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, sending shrapnel into nearby vehicles. Newsom’s office, along with the California Highway Patrol, expressed concern, highlighting that the incident occurred over an active freeway, despite prior criticism of Newsom’s safety precautions. The Governor’s office demanded apologies from those who had downplayed the potential risks. The First Marine Expeditionary Force has stated they are investigating the incident.
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During a Marine Corps 250th-anniversary live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton, a 155mm artillery shell prematurely exploded, sending shrapnel onto Interstate 5, a major freeway in southern California. The incident occurred despite Governor Newsom’s objections and last-minute closure of a 17-mile stretch of the highway, which led to significant traffic delays. The premature explosion caused fragments to hit a California Highway Patrol vehicle and a motorcycle in a detail, prompting an investigation by the Marine Corps. The event, which included the presence of JD Vance, led to a dispute between Newsom and military officials over public safety and the necessity of closing the freeway.
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A recent Emerson College poll reveals a close race between Vice President JD Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup, with Vance leading at 46% to Newsom’s 45%. This 1% lead for Vance marks a narrowing from previous polls conducted by Emerson, indicating Newsom has gained ground. Both candidates have yet to formally announce their candidacy but are frequently discussed as potential contenders, increasing public interest and speculation. The next steps for potential candidates will likely be determined after the midterm elections in November 2026.
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John Q. Hosedrinker