California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent attempts to portray himself as a moderate Democrat have been met with skepticism, particularly as he seemingly positions himself for a potential presidential run in 2028. However, critics argue that Newsom cannot escape the progressive policies enacted during his tenure, which have led to significant failures in California. These failures include the ongoing homelessness crisis, issues with sex trafficking, and a general decline in the state’s quality of life. This article examines Newsom’s record and questions whether his moderate pivot is genuine or simply a political strategy.
The key issues highlighted include California’s struggles with homelessness despite massive spending, the state assembly’s contentious debates on sex trafficking, and the unintended consequences of progressive policies. By analyzing these specific examples, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of why many believe Newsom’s progressive past will continue to haunt his political future.
Newsom’s Attempt at a Moderate Facade
Gavin Newsom is trying to appeal to voters outside his progressive base. Newsom, for example, has proposed limiting health benefits for undocumented immigrants who entered the country illegally. He’s told local leaders in California to address homeless encampments, which are a bane for urban dwellers from San Francisco to San Diego. And he’s even engaged on his podcast in thoughtful, cordial debates with Charlie Kirk, cofounder of Turning Point USA.
But Newsom can’t escape his record – or the record of other California Democrats who’ve tarnished the Golden State’s reputation, squandered its resources and sunk its quality of life.
California: The Land of Bad Ideas
California is the place where bad ideas go to find acceptance. Take, for instance, the California State Assembly’s recent heated debate on the sex trafficking of children.
Based on her experience as a prosecutor, Assemblymember Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, introduced legislation that would have made it a felony to solicit 16- and 17-year-old minors for sex. It’s the kind of commonsense legislation that should have attracted bipartisan support.
But Krell’s fellow Democrats gutted the legislation, despite the fact that Newsom supported it. The bill, which Krell wrote with a Republican legislator, was an attempt to fix loopholes in Senate Bill 1414. The Assembly passed that bill last year, making it a felony to pay for sex with minors – with the exception of 16- and 17-year-olds.
In debating the bill, Assembly members also argued vehemently about how to clean up a mess of their own making − the real-world fallout that occurred after they enacted a law that decriminalized loitering while selling sex on the streets. A local news report noted that the law has led to “vast swathes of
It’s ordinary citizens who often have to suffer the unintended consequences of so many progressive ideas.
After a public outcry and a nudge from Newsom, Krell’s bill, resurrected by a fellow Democrat, has now passed the Assembly and awaits action in the state Senate.
But it’s frustrating and sad to see California progressives waste so much time and energy fighting legislation that would protect children − and yes, a 16-year-old is still a child, legally and developmentally − from the horrors of sex trafficking.
Homeless Crisis: A Sign of Failed Progressive Policy
When visiting Los Angeles, I am always saddened by the extraordinary number of people in the city − who are struggling with homelessness. I also think that a state that boasts the largest GDP in the country − and the surely has the financial resources necessary to get Californians in need back on their feet.
Yet, progressives in California, Newsom included, have tried for decades to reduce homelessness in the state. They have failed − badly and repeatedly.
Even Newsom admits that failure. In a May 12 commenting on the homeless crisis, the governor suddenly sounded tough. “I’m not interested anymore, period, full stop, in funding failure,” he said.
Newsom might not be interested in funding failure any longer, but that’s precisely what he’s done for years. Since Newsom took office in 2019, the state has spent on efforts to reduce homelessness. The result? The number of people without a home to call their own .
If he does run for president, Newsom will have a hard time explaining away that debacle to voters in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas who will rightly wonder if he’ll waste their tax dollars on expensive failures.
Conclusion
Newsom’s attempts to reposition himself as a moderate are overshadowed by California’s long history of progressive failures. The issues with sex trafficking and the homelessness crisis serve as stark reminders of these shortcomings. While Newsom may try to distance himself from these failures, his record will likely remain a significant obstacle in any future political aspirations.
Ultimately, Newsom may fool some moderate Democrats with his sudden shift to the middle, but the rest of us won’t forget the long history of progressive failures that have hurt Californians under his watch.
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