With the news that Democratic Governor of California Gavin Newsom might be vying to run for president in 2024 if President Joe Biden is not the candidate, some are not as thrilled about the idea as others.
On Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” contributor Leo Terrell claimed that Newsom is “bound to lose” if he decides to go for the presidency in a few years, pointing to problems in California.
“Well, you know what? The good news for Americans, very simply, no California Democrat [has] ever won the presidency, so he’s bound to lose. But what is happening in California? There is no incentive to live in California with Governor Newsom,” he stated. “We’ve got high crime. We’ve got poor schools. We’ve got the homeless problem. And I’ll tell you right now, he’s taking California for granted. He’s up for re-election, Brian, in California, but he is ignoring California, thinking that he has a chance to win the presidency.”
Newsom has been fueling rumors of a presidential run as he attacks popular Republican governors and places ads for California in Republican-led states.
Newsom survived a recall campaign after his COVID lockdown policies made him increasingly unpopular in the state, all while he did not adhere to the policies himself. This was perhaps most evident during the French Laundry incident when he dined at an elite restaurant while telling Californians to stay in their houses.
According to YouGovAmerica, Newsom has 31% popularity, with 29% saying they dislike him.
A recent report from TheWrap stated that Newsom is “undeniably, unequivocally” going to seek the presidency if President Biden decides to forego the election in 2024. A key fundraiser in California who is close to Newsom told TheWrap that “after this midterm election is over, he absolutely is going to announce that he is running for the presidency once Biden announces that he is not running.”
“No ifs, ands, or buts,” the person said. “He will run if Biden does not.”
The report likely comes as no shock to the American electorate who have been witnessing Newsom’s actions in recent months. He recently took out billboard advertisements in Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Oklahoma, attacking the pro-life actions of the states and telling women to visit California to get an abortion. The billboards include a website that has all of California’s abortion clinics.
He has also singled out Republican Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis over his sending migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, and even challenged DeSantis to a debate.