In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election in November, California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly resumed his role as a prominent voice of Democratic opposition.
“He’s going to come harder, come faster, executive orders on Day One,” Newsom declared in a video address. “He’s going to be more aggressive than he was in the past.” He emphasized in a statement, “The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack—and we won’t sit idle.”
Newsom’s swift response positioned him as a determined defender of California’s progressive values, ready to counter an emboldened Trump administration.
Then the fires came.
A confluence of dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds ignited devastating wildfires in the affluent hillside communities surrounding Los Angeles. The blazes destroyed homes, displaced residents, and disrupted livelihoods, many of which form the core of Newsom’s political support.
Criticism quickly mounted over the state’s response to the fires. Issues such as low water pressure in fire hydrants, budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the absence of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who was abroad when the fires began, raised serious questions. A viral moment captured a frustrated Los Angeles resident confronting Newsom on live television about the lack of water to fight the fires in Pacific Palisades.
“Please tell me what you’re going to do,” pleaded Rachel Darvish, the resident. Newsom responded, “I’m literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter. I’m devastated for you. I’m so sorry, especially for your daughter.”
Wildfires have long challenged Newsom, who has balanced climate change advocacy with disaster management. This week’s fires scorched over 17,000 acres, displaced nearly 180,000 residents, and claimed at least 10 lives, reigniting criticism of California’s preparedness.
Trump seized the opportunity to attack Newsom, accusing him of prioritizing environmental policies over practical fire prevention. “The Governor of California has done a terrible job of forest management,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing earlier criticisms. He also alleged that Newsom refused to sign a “water restoration declaration” that could have mitigated the disaster, a claim dismissed by Newsom’s team as “pure fiction.”
Newsom’s office highlighted his efforts, including deploying state resources and declaring a state of emergency. “The governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and ensuring firefighters have all the resources they need,” said Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director.
However, the scale of the devastation and the slow containment of the fires have drawn scrutiny. Former California Assembly Member Mike Gatto remarked, “When a region looks unprepared, leaders are partly to blame.”
The Shadow of 2028
Speculation about Newsom’s potential run for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination adds another dimension to the challenges he faces.
“Gavin Newsom has clearly been positioning himself beyond California, preparing for a potential presidential run,” said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. “But representing California comes with baggage: wildfires, homelessness, and the perception of being ‘too liberal.’”
Newsom’s team has carefully crafted his image as a pragmatic and telegenic leader who can appeal to voters in purple states. Yet, California’s crises—including homelessness and natural disasters—complicate his narrative. Los Angeles County, for instance, has over 120,000 homeless residents, a statistic often cited by critics of California’s one-party rule. Dramatic images of wildfires and their aftermath further undermine perceptions of effective governance.
Political strategist Mike Madrid suggested that Trump’s attacks might inadvertently boost Newsom’s national profile. “If you’re a Democrat and Trump is attacking you, it’s probably the best thing that could happen politically,” Madrid told Newsweek.
‘We Don’t Want To Become Like California’
Alongside Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Newsom is considered a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic nomination. However, California’s challenges provide fodder for critics who warn against adopting the state’s policies nationally. Figures like Elon Musk amplified this message during the 2024 campaign, resonating with voters across the country and even some disillusioned Californians.
Newsom’s approval ratings reflect these tensions. A November Berkeley IGS poll showed his approval at 44%, with 49% disapproving—the first time more voters disapproved than approved since he took office in 2019. These figures underscore frustrations over issues such as a massive budget deficit and contentious policy battles.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s growing influence in California complicates the political landscape. While Trump did not win the state, he gained significant ground, particularly in areas grappling with crime, disorder, and natural disasters.
For Newsom, the wildfires represent both a test of leadership and an opportunity to showcase his crisis management skills. Political analyst David McCuan noted, “Leadership opportunities during crises like wildfires are double-edged swords. They can elevate leaders, but they can also backfire if they appear opportunistic.”
With the next presidential election still four years away, Newsom has time to address California’s challenges and rebuild his narrative. For now, his pledge to “not sit idle” remains both a rallying cry and a measure of his leadership.
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