The path to the presidency for California Governor Gavin Newsom may hinge on a startlingly simple hope: that voters forget. That’s the assessment of seasoned political observer Joe Concha, who suggests a successful 2028 bid relies on a collective lapse in memory regarding the state’s current realities.
Newsom hasn’t formally announced a presidential run, but recent appearances – notably at the World Economic Forum in Davos – have fueled speculation. These moves are being watched closely, especially considering the stark contrast between the global stage and the challenges facing California at home.
Concha points to a record riddled with contradictions. California, under Newsom’s leadership, boasts the highest taxes in the nation, yet simultaneously grapples with the highest rates of poverty and homelessness. The state also contends with crippling housing costs and a cost of living that ranks dead last among all fifty states.
The financial picture is equally troubling. Newsom inherited an $80 billion surplus, a position of remarkable strength. Now, the state faces a projected deficit ranging from $30 to $40 billion, a dramatic reversal that demands scrutiny.
The governor’s hope, according to Concha, echoes a sentiment expressed by Charlie Kirk after an interview with Newsom: a reliance on voters possessing the memory of a goldfish. The implication is a desire to avoid deep examination of his record by the media and the electorate.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing recovery efforts. Large swaths of the Los Angeles area remain in ruins, a year after devastating fires swept through the region. Despite the state’s own financial difficulties, Newsom previously attributed slow rebuilding to insufficient federal aid, placing blame on former President Donald Trump.
As Newsom enters his final year as governor, the question remains whether voters will focus on his ambitious national aspirations or the complex, often challenging, realities of his time leading California.
