Gov. Gavin Newsom advises Democratic candidates lagging in polls for California’s governor race to withdraw, clearing the path for frontrunners to advance to the November general election.
Remarks During Los Angeles Book Event
Newsom shared this perspective Tuesday night at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles while promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery. The comments aligned with a call from California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, who urged non-viable candidates to step aside on the same day.
“I confess, I agree,” Newsom told the audience. He emphasized California’s status as the nation’s most anti-Trump state, stating, “At this moment in history… for California — the most un-Trump state in America — to have a Republican Trumper running, there is no margin for error.” His remarks appeared to target figures like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco or former Fox News host Steve Hilton.
Lighthearted Exchange on Term Limits
Moderators Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor of Pod Save America described Newsom as “irreplaceable.” Newsom joked, “Did you hear that? ‘Irreplaceable.’ Here’s to third terms,” prompting laughter before quickly adding, “Don’t worry, don’t worry.” The quip alluded to President Donald Trump’s hints at a potential third term, including “Trump 2028” hats displayed during a recent meeting.
Criticism of Trump Policies
Newsom continued his longstanding opposition to Trump, condemning the president’s weekend order to strike Iran without a clear strategy and the administration’s immigration raids affecting California heavily.
Personal Reflections from the Memoir
The discussion blended policy critiques with insights from Newsom’s book. He described the writing process as cathartic, confronting his father’s departure, his mother’s challenges as a single parent, and his dyslexia.
“My whole life I felt dumb,” Newsom revealed, recalling resentment toward his mother’s comment that it was okay to be “average.” He later understood it as permission to embrace his true self, crediting the disability for building his resilience: “I’m here because of it.”
The event saw three interruptions from balcony protesters who shouted at Newsom and were escorted out by security. Applause erupted when Favreau highlighted Newsom’s 2004 decision as San Francisco mayor to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, defying state law at the time.
Recent LGBTQ+ Community Backlash
Newsom recently faced criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus after stating on CNN that Democrats should focus less on pronouns and identity, prioritizing issues like energy costs and child care. The caucus responded: “It’s deeply concerning… to be defining who or what is ‘culturally normal.’ By definition, it implies someone else is ‘not normal.’” They rejected adopting “the language of MAGA extremists” amid efforts to roll back rights for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized groups.
Newsom’s book tour continues with an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening.
