Governor Newsom Condemned By His Own Party Over Recent Controversy

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast featuring right-wing figures has sparked controversy within Democratic circles, raising questions about his political ambitions and strategy ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.

Key Insights

Newsom has broken with Democratic Party orthodoxy during a podcast with conservative Charlie Kirk, saying transgender athletes in women’s sports are “deeply unfair.”
The California governor’s podcast features conversations with conservative figures including Steve Bannon, drawing criticism from fellow Democrats.
Critics like “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin have condemned Newsom’s approach as a poor strategy that fails to challenge conservative viewpoints.
LGBTQ advocacy groups accused Newsom of trying to “score political points” despite his history as a pioneer for LGBTQ rights in California.

Newsom Breaks With Democratic Orthodoxy

In a surprising departure from Democratic Party positions, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently agreed with conservative activist Charlie Kirk that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports is “deeply unfair.” During his podcast appearance, Newsom stated, “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.” The governor, who has historically championed LGBTQ rights, including signing California legislation that allows transgender athletes to participate according to their gender identity, struck a different tone in his conversation with Kirk.

Newsom’s comments came as part of a broader discussion about political advertisements that negatively impacted Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, particularly those focusing on her support for taxpayer-funded gender transition-related medical care for detained immigrants and federal prisoners. Despite his apparent shift on transgender athletes, Newsom emphasized his record of expanding LGBTQ rights and called for compassion toward transgender individuals, acknowledging their mental health challenges.

Democratic Backlash Growing

The governor’s podcast, which features conversations with prominent right-wing figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, has drawn significant criticism from within his own party. “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin publicly expressed disappointment in Newsom’s strategy, particularly given speculation about his potential as a presidential candidate in 2028. Hostin pointed to the contradiction between Newsom’s State of the State address, where he criticized Republicans and portrayed California as a counterweight to right-wing populism, and his seemingly accommodating approach toward conservative guests on his podcast.

LGBTQ advocacy groups have been particularly vocal in their criticism. The Human Rights Campaign accused Newsom of trying to “score political points” amid a national backlash against transgender rights. Two California state legislators expressed frustration with Newsom’s comments, emphasizing that all students deserve the benefits of participating in sports. This criticism is particularly pointed given Newsom’s history as a pioneer for LGBTQ rights, including his decision to allow same-sex marriages in San Francisco in 2004 when he served as mayor.

Political Calculation or Genuine Bridge-Building?

Political observers view Newsom’s podcast strategy as a calculated move to expand his appeal beyond California and position himself as a potential bridge-builder on the national stage. By engaging with conservative voices, Newsom may be attempting to demonstrate his capacity for bipartisan dialogue and reach voters outside traditional Democratic strongholds. This approach contrasts with the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, potentially distinguishing Newsom from other Democratic contenders for 2028.

However, critics like Hostin argue that Newsom’s strategy of letting Republicans “hang themselves” without forceful pushback is flawed. She specifically criticized his handling of Steve Bannon on the podcast, suggesting that Newsom’s failure to challenge controversial statements effectively normalizes extreme positions. This tension highlights the difficult balance Newsom must strike: demonstrating a willingness to engage across ideological divides while maintaining core Democratic principles and values that would be essential for maintaining party support in any future presidential bid.