Governor Newsom's 2028 Presidential Primary Prospects Challenged by California Record
Governor Gavin Newsom's potential path to the 2028 Democratic presidential primary is facing significant hurdles, as his California record could become a liability in key early primary states. The Democratic National Committee has reshuffled the primary calendar, placing South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia as the initial states before Super Tuesday. Opponents are expected to scrutinize Newsom's policies on issues such as transgender rights, energy, oil extraction, and vehicle emissions, which may not resonate with voters in these diverse states. For instance, his stance on transgender athletes and sex-change procedures for minors could be unpopular in South Carolina, while his energy policies could be criticized in Nevada and New Hampshire due to potential impacts on gas prices and reliance on natural gas. His efforts to phase out oil extraction might face opposition in New Mexico, and his electric vehicle mandates could be contentious in Michigan's auto industry hub. ...