Gavin Newsom, a potential successor to Biden, faces record-low approval in California: Poll.
Gavin Newsom’s Approval Rating Hits All-Time Low as Presidential Ambitions Grow
As left-wing California governor Gavin Newsom quietly positions himself for a presidential bid, Golden State voters have turned on him, with his approval rating hitting an all-time low in a recent poll.
According to the U.C. Berkeley poll, which was cosponsored by the Los Angeles Times, only 44 percent of Californians approve of Newsom, a dramatic 11-point drop from February. Nearly 50 percent of Californians, meanwhile, disapprove of the governor, a 10-point jump.
The governor’s decline in popularity “spans nearly every major voter category,” including among Democrats and independents, according to the Times. His support among his fellow Democrats plunged 16 points from February.
Newsom in recent months has turned his attention outside California, heading to China to discuss climate change with Communist officials and committing to a debate with Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis. In March, Newsom launched his Campaign for Democracy PAC, which so far has “spent millions on Democratic strategists, nationwide ad buys, and photo-op visits to red states intended to burnish his image and build his political profile,” the Washington Free Beacon reported.
The PAC’s spending shows that Newsom is “ready to jump into the presidential race should President Joe Biden choose not to seek reelection,” political observers told the Free Beacon in August. While the 80-year-old Biden has said he is running in 2024, a staggering 71 percent of voters say he is “too old” for the presidency, according to a New York Times poll released this month.
Berkeley pollster Mark DiCamillo told the Los Angeles Times that Californians are responding to Newsom’s focus on national politics.
Newsom is “kind of taking on a new persona,” DiCamillo said. “He’s no longer just the governor of California. He’s a spokesperson for the national party and basically voters are being asked to react to that.”
Back in California, 55 percent of adults say that “things in the state are going in the wrong direction,” citing jobs, the economy and inflation, and homelessness as top concerns, according to a separate poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California.
“I think the real wake-up call is how dramatically Democrat voters seem to be shifting underneath him,” Republican consultant Rob Stutzman told the Times. “I’m not surprised his numbers are down. I’m surprised his numbers are down that far. He’s clearly upside down.”
What are some of the major issues that Californians are frustrated with regarding Governor Newsom’s administration?
Ops,” according to the Times.
While Newsom has been focused on his own political ambitions, his handling of key issues in California has come under scrutiny. The state has been plagued by soaring crime rates, rampant homelessness, and a struggling economy. Amid widespread dissatisfaction, recall efforts against Newsom have gained momentum, with a recall election now scheduled for next year.
One of the biggest factors contributing to the governor’s drop in approval rating is his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsom faced backlash for his draconian lockdown measures, which disproportionately impacted small businesses and infringed on personal freedoms. His attendance at a fancy dinner party at the French Laundry, while urging Californians to stay home, further damaged his credibility and undermined trust in his leadership.
Newsom’s approval rating decline has also been accelerated by growing frustration with his administration’s failure to address the state’s issues effectively. Despite being in office for nearly three years, homelessness has only worsened under Newsom’s watch. Crime rates have surged across the state, with high-profile shoplifting incidents becoming increasingly brazen. The state’s economy has struggled to recover from the pandemic, with businesses closing down and job losses continuing to mount.
As Newsom’s presidential ambitions become more apparent, Californians are becoming disillusioned with his priorities. Instead of focusing on addressing the pressing needs of the state he was elected to govern, Newsom appears to be more interested in building his national profile and garnering support outside of California. This self-centered approach has left many voters feeling neglected and frustrated.
Newsom’s plummeting approval rating serves as a warning to other politicians who prioritize personal ambition over their responsibilities to their constituents. Voters expect their elected officials to prioritize the needs and concerns of the people they represent, rather than using their positions as stepping stones for higher office.
If Newsom hopes to salvage his political career and regain the support of Californians, he must refocus his attention on the issues affecting the state and take concrete steps to address them. This includes implementing effective solutions to tackle homelessness, supporting small businesses, and promoting policies that will revive the struggling economy. Additionally, Newsom must regain the trust of the people by demonstrating transparency and accountability in his decision-making.
Ultimately, voters will judge Newsom based on his actions and the results he delivers for California. If he continues to prioritize his presidential ambitions over the needs of his constituents, his approval rating is likely to remain in the doldrums. But if he refocuses his efforts on improving the lives of Californians and effectively addresses the challenges facing the state, there is still a chance for Newsom to salvage his reputation and regain the support of disillusioned voters.
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