Republicans are noticing Gavin Newsom’s strategic shift, after his recent podcast appearances with right-wing figures and amid his controversial stance on trans athletes.
On March 6, Newsom released the debut episode of This is Gavin Newsom Podcast, featuring a conversation with MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk.
The California governor, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, sparked controversy by suggesting that Democrats were wrong to allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s college and youth sports.
‘I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness — it’s deeply unfair,’ Newsom said during the episode. ‘I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.’
After just three episodes, Republican strategist Alex Conant praised Newsom as a ‘skilled communicator’ and ‘very, very talented politician’.
MAGA figure Steve Bannon, who appeared on Newsom’s show, responded with ‘Hell, yes,’ when asked if Newsom could pose a problem for Republicans.
Iowa GOP strategist David Kochel added, ‘The operative class is definitely watching him because he’s doing something very different.’
Fergus Cullen, former chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, echoed Conant’s high praise and called the Democrat ‘a very talented politician.’
Despite progressive backlash, national Republicans see Newsom honing his political skills.
Megyn Kelly raised concerns, warning that Newsom is ‘in training for 2028’ and will improve his appeal to right-wing and independent voters.
California Republicans, however, view Newsom’s outreach to red states with skepticism. Matt Fleming, former California Republican Party communications director, said, ‘The more people get to know Gavin, the less they seem to like him.’
Lanhee Chen, former Republican state controller candidate, added, ‘I don’t think any Republicans really take Newsom seriously.’
While Newsom’s podcast hasn’t won over the MAGA base, even some GOP critics acknowledge his political savvy.
After his episode with Kirk, the commentator wrote that Newsom is ‘charming,’ ‘savvy with politics,’ and ‘wants to be president more than any living person.’
The headline of his op-ed warned Republicans to ‘beware.’
Newsom’s podcast has attracted criticism from the left but has also raised his national profile.
However, in California, many have slammed him, calling his podcast everything from ‘out of touch’ to a ‘phony hair gel idiot.’
A recent poll of 1,000 Golden State voters by Capitol Weekly revealed that 26 percent of respondents said their view of Newsom worsened after hearing the podcast.
In 2022, Newsom ran ads in Texas and Florida criticizing GOP governors and debated Ron DeSantis, signaling his interest in red states.
His podcast, however, takes a less confrontational approach, aiming to understand the MAGA movement, modernize Democratic communication, and reach younger audiences.
This is widely seen as positioning Newsom for a potential 2028 presidential run, although it risks fueling criticism that he’s more focused on national branding than addressing California’s issues.
Republican figures, like Jon Fleischman, argue that Newsom should be judged by his performance as governor, not his national ambitions.
Despite challenges, Newsom remains a formidable figure in California, with strong approval ratings.
David McIntosh of the Club for Growth noted that Newsom is adjusting his positions and tackling state issues, including trans athletes and fire management.
Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff and GOP contender, warned that Newsom’s ability to control conversations, like his podcast with Kirk, is a ‘verbal judo’ skill conservatives should watch out for.