California Governor Gavin Newsom: A Proxy for Biden in the 2024 Presidential Election

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been actively campaigning for the Democratic presidential ticket throughout the 2024 election cycle, focusing on various states while his home state of California saw less of his presence.

His efforts have included raising funds for Democratic candidates in red states and acting as a proxy for President Biden and Vice President Harris on conservative media platforms.

In an interview, Newsom acknowledged the challenge of balancing national campaigning with his responsibilities in California, stating, You can do anything. You can’t do everything.

His campaign strategy involved spending significant time out of state, particularly in areas where he could bolster his image as a seasoned politician and fundraiser, while allowing California Democrats to navigate their own battles in key congressional races without his immediate presence.

Despite his limited engagement in California, Newsom has raised nearly $2 million for Democratic candidates in congressional contests and made appearances across several districts. His recent rally in Orange County underscored the importance of these local races, particularly his support for Democrat Derek Tran against Republican Rep. Michelle Steel.

However, his absence from the campaign trail in California has drawn criticism, as Republican opponents have effectively tied Democratic challengers to Newsom’s unpopularity.

A statewide poll indicated that a majority of California voters disapprove of Newsom’s performance, particularly in swing districts where Democrats aim to flip GOP-held seats.

While some Democratic candidates have distanced themselves from Newsom due to his low approval ratings, others, like former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, argue that he remains an asset in campaigns.

They believe his experience and communication skills can help drive Democratic turnout as the election approaches. Political analysts note that even if Newsom’s presence could potentially help Republicans, the upside of having a high-profile Democrat campaigning for local candidates likely outweighs the risks.

Ultimately, Newsom’s late-stage appearances in congressional districts serve multiple purposes: they offer him a chance to claim involvement in potential Democratic victories while minimizing the time GOP opponents have to leverage his presence against their challengers.

Political experts emphasize that effective campaigning often aligns the interests of politicians with those of their allies, making Newsom’s approach both strategic and self-serving.

 

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