“The Last Thing He Deserves Is a Promotion”: California Gov. Newsom’s Popularity Is Plummeting

Jo ShawNov 14, 2023

Minute Read

In late October, a survey of California voters was undertaken by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times. The results revealed a decline in Governor Newsom’s popularity, as nearly half of Californians expressed disapproval of his performance while he endeavors to enhance his national presence. Although he has refuted any intentions of a Presidential run, not everyone is convinced.

Almost Half of Californians Now Disapprove of Gov. Newsom

Mark DiCamillo, Director of the Berkeley IGS Poll, stated, “The latest poll finds voter opinions changing with more Californians now disapproving (49%) than approving (44%).”

Fall Off in Approval Ratings Is Broad-Based

DiCamillo further explained, “The fall-off in governor’s approval ratings is broad-based and is particularly noteworthy among political moderates and No Party Preference voters, the state’s two major swing voter blocs.”

Newsom’s Approval Rating Drops

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Newsom experienced an 11-point drop in approval ratings since February, where 55% of voters endorsed his performance. Conversely, nearly half of voters now disapprove of Newsom’s performance, marking the highest level of dissatisfaction.

California Governors Support Has Declined

The Berkley Poll additionally emphasized that Governor Newsom’s backing from voters without a party preference decreased, dropping from 49% to 37% approval during the same period.

Newsom’s Role in National Politics Leading To His Decline

Newsom’s increased involvement in national Democratic politics seems connected to his recent decrease in popularity. Both Directors from the recent Berkley poll have drawn the same conclusions.

California Faces Increasing Budgetary Challenges

Mark DiCamillo stated in the findings that voters “hold decidedly mixed views about taking on this role at a time when California is facing increasing budgetary challenges and is dealing with a host of other pressing problems.” He added, “When asking about this, 45% of voters approve while 43% disapprove.”

Less Freedom to “Engage on the National State”

Co-Director of the poll, Eric Schickler, also echoed DiCamillo’s observations, stating, “The dip in Newsom’s approval suggests that many Californians are concerned with how things are going in the state, which may give the governor less leeway to fully engage on the national stage.”

Voters Supportive of Newsom’s Bill

Despite the decline in approval, there was a silver lining for Newsom in the Berkeley poll. The survey indicated strong voter endorsement for Governor Newsom’s Proposition 1, a $6.4-billion mental health bond.

Newsom Proposes Funding for 10,000 New Treatment Beds

The plan is anticipated to generate sufficient funding to establish 10,000 new treatment beds throughout California.

60% Of Voters Backed the Idea

According to the recent Berkeley poll, 60% of likely voters supported the idea. 17% were against it, and 23% remained undecided.

Taking on a New Persona

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Mark DiCamillo commented on the recent findings, stating, “He’s kind of taking on a new persona,” “He’s no longer just the governor of California. He’s [Newsom] a spokesperson for the national party, and basically voters are being asked to react to that,” he concluded.

Newsom Rose Above Scandal

Gov. Newsom has managed to rise about the scandal of an affair with his campaign manager’s wife. Voters elected him as governor of California twice. Alex Tourk stepped down after addressing Newsom about the relationship with Tourk’s wife, who had previously served as the mayor’s appointments secretary.

Newsom Gearing Up for Biden’s Campaign

The California Governor has denied he is considering a run for Presidency. Newsom said in a “Meet the Press” interview with Chuck Todd when he asked about Biden’s bid for a second term, “we’re gearing up for the campaign. We’re looking forward to it.”

Time to Move On

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When asked if the Presidential nominee could be someone other than Biden, Newsom answered, “Time to move on. Let’s go.”

Newsom Wouldn’t Take on Harris

Newsom was asked in the Meet the Press interview if he would consider running against Vice President Harris. Newsom responded, “Of course not. By definition. Won’t happen.”

Does Not Deserve the Presidency

However, Jessica Millan Patterson, the CAGOP Chairwoman, wasn’t so convinced. She recently posted on X, “When you lose interest in your constituents, your constituents lose interest in you. It’s clear @GavinNewsom is running for president, but with his many policy failures, the last thing he deserves is a promotion to higher officer.”

Newsom Is Biden’s Most Likely Successor

Newsom emerges as Biden’s most feasible alternative and probable successor, indicating his efforts to strategically position himself for a potential presidential run following another possible term for President Biden.

Way Too Centrist

Users commented on Newsom’s decline in popularity with mixed feelings. One user posted, “He is way too centrist. He tries to appeal to conservatives and its pointless. They hate him no matter what.”