Gavin Newsom is currently standing at a political crossroads that could define the 2028 presidential race. While the California Governor has secured the powerful backing of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, not everyone in the Democratic inner circle is convinced his path to the White House is a clear one.
John Morgan, a prominent and long-time Democratic megadonor, appeared on NewsNation’s “CUOMO” to voice serious reservations about Newsom’s current trajectory and political brand.
Morgan’s critique centers on two main issues: personality and policy. He argued that Newsom has adopted a combative, “mean” persona that mimics Donald Trump’s aggressive style.
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While this approach is currently a hit with donors who are hungry for a fighter, Morgan suspects that by 2028, the American electorate will be exhausted by chaos and vitriol. He warned that Newsom might be “sprinting too fast” into a style of politics that has a short shelf life.
Beyond the optics, Newsom’s legislative record in California remains a massive talking point. As Governor, he has championed policies that sit at the forefront of the cultural divide, from supporting reparations to signing legislation that made California a “sanctuary” for minors seeking gender-affirming care. He also recently signed the “Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today” Act, which prevents school districts from requiring that parents be notified if a student changes their gender identity.
While these moves have solidified his support among the progressive wing of the party, Morgan questions if Newsom can successfully perform a “Mitt Romney etch-a-sketch” move—effectively pivoting back toward the center for a general election. The Governor has occasionally attempted to moderate his image, such as calling biological males in female sports “deeply unfair” during an interview with Charlie Kirk, yet his administration continues to defend policies that prioritize transgender inclusion in those same spaces.
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Currently, the 2028 Democratic primary landscape is beginning to take shape.
According to the RealClearPolling average, Vice President Kamala Harris maintains the lead, with Newsom following in second and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in third. For Newsom, the challenge over the next few years will be balancing the progressive expectations of his home state with the moderate demands of the national “Blue Wall” states he would need to win the presidency.
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