Governor Gavin Newsom has privately expressed significant reservations about the Democratic candidates vying to succeed him, creating internal friction as California's gubernatorial race enters a critical phase. According to sources familiar with his comments, Newsom has criticized nearly every major contender, leaving the party without a clear standard-bearer as the primary approaches.
Democratic Field Faces Internal Scrutiny
Newsom's concerns span the ideological spectrum of the Democratic field. He reportedly believes former Congresswoman Katie Porter would harm California's business climate, while dismissing San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan for personal reasons. The governor has similarly criticized former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and current Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer currently leads Democratic contenders in polling, but Newsom has questioned both his electability and governing capacity. These private criticisms emerge as the Democratic field remains fractured following the exit of former frontrunner Eric Swalwell, who suspended his campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations. Swalwell's departure has significantly reshaped the race, creating an opening that Republicans have capitalized on.
Republican Advantage in Top-Two Primary
California's unique jungle primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, currently favors Republican candidates. Recent polling shows both leading positions occupied by Republicans, with former Fox News personality Steve Hilton—endorsed by Donald Trump—as the current frontrunner. This polling shift occurred immediately following Swalwell's exit, highlighting Democratic vulnerability.
Democratic leaders, including Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, had hoped to consolidate support behind a single strong candidate to prevent a Republican-versus-Republican general election. Newsom's apparent dissatisfaction with all options complicates this strategy, potentially leaving Democrats divided as candidates prepare for the first major primary debate.
Candidate Vulnerabilities and Policy Divisions
The Democratic candidates face multiple challenges beyond Newsom's criticism. Porter has confronted allegations of abusive behavior toward staff and her ex-husband, while Mahan has gained traction by criticizing Newsom and national Democratic leadership on homelessness and crime reduction—issues that polls show resonate with California voters.
Mahan's moderate approach to public safety and homelessness, showcased during media appearances including "Morning Joe," has drawn favorable attention despite his lower polling numbers. His criticism of Democratic failures on urban livability issues appears to be a primary source of tension with Newsom, who has faced his own challenges on these fronts.
The Republican field presents its own complexities. Hilton's far-right positioning contrasts with California's predominantly Democratic electorate, creating potential general election vulnerabilities. However, Democratic infighting and candidate weaknesses could provide an opening for Republican candidates in the top-two system.
Broader Political Implications
The California governor's race carries national implications as both parties assess their 2024 strategies and beyond. Newsom's own national political ambitions for 2028 may influence his approach to the succession battle, as he balances party loyalty with his assessment of candidate viability.
The situation mirrors challenges facing Democrats in other states, where moderate candidates like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have succeeded with cross-party appeal. Beshear's model of pragmatic governance contrasts with the more ideological positions of several California Democratic contenders.
With the primary approaching, Democratic leaders face mounting pressure to unite behind a candidate who can both win the general election and govern effectively. Newsom's private criticisms suggest this unity remains elusive, potentially leaving California Democrats without coordinated leadership in a race that could determine control of the nation's largest state government.
