Politician of the Year Award
It’s that time of year again where I select the Politician of the Year. For the last 15 years, I’ve highlighted politicians whose influence marked American politics significantly.
Typically, I unveil the winner post-Thanksgiving to be ahead of Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Yet, this time, I’m adjusting the timeline a bit. With the recent passing of Proposition 50—aimed at combatting election rigging in California—the path is clear.
This year’s award goes to Gavin Newsom, the governor of California.
Newsom earned this recognition for steering the Democratic Party back on track. Following a substantial defeat against President Trump in 2024, the Democratic Party found itself grappling with deep self-doubt. After Republicans took complete control of the government, Newsom answered the call. Democrats felt marginalized and beaten down. Yet, he managed to rally the party and make a comeback.
In 2025, he even took a playful jab at Trump with a parody post that mimicked Trump’s social media style, turning the tables on him.
For instance, one of his posts read: “Last warning, Donald Trump…stop cheating or California will be redrawn.” Many joked about Newsom being the “most beloved and handsome governor,” hinting that he would soon make an announcement.
However, his most notable achievement was convincing the voters in California to counter Trump’s plan regarding midterm elections in 2026.
Trump, wary of potential loss in upcoming elections, aimed to consolidate his party’s dominance by redrawing congressional districts to favor Republicans. This tactic has resulted in Republicans gaining an edge in certain stronghold states, particularly Texas.
In response, Newsom smartly facilitated the addition of five new Democratic-favorable districts in California. His recent referendum was well-received, and it set a precedent that has garnered attention, with incoming Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger voicing her support for similar changes in her state.
Until Newsom took action, Trump’s mid-decade redistricting plan had faced little resistance.
With Trump back in the White House, many Democrats disillusioned by his reign have been seeking a leader to oppose his brand of governance. This dissatisfaction has contributed to the Democrats’ low approval ratings. Many registered Democrats express frustration at the lack of pushback from their leadership.
Now, it’s evident that there are assertive Democrats emerging in various states.
For instance, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stood up against ICE officials intimidating the people of Chicago. In New York, Zoran Mamdani won the mayoral race while countering Trump’s negative portrayal of him and directly addressed Trump in his victory speech, asserting, “I know you’re watching. I have four things to say to you. Turn up the volume.”
Newsom has also confronted Trump’s plans while aligning himself against them. Earlier this year, he engaged in legal battles against Trump’s usage of the National Guard to instill fear in Democratic areas.
In an unexpected move that upset some Democrats, Newsom started a podcast featuring open discussions with conservative figures who back Trump. His initial guest was Charlie Kirk, a controversial figure who, tragically, later passed away.
Republicans often criticize Newsom as a quintessential California liberal, blaming him for high taxes and housing issues. He faced backlash for dining without a mask at a posh restaurant despite imposing strict COVID-19 protocols. Moreover, the California Coastal Commission has been a frequent target of conservative critique for its slow approval process for new construction.
Despite these criticisms, Newsom seems to be well-placed to unify the party ahead of the 2026 elections, bridging the gap between progressive activists and moderates.
During his time as San Francisco’s mayor, he took bold steps toward legalizing same-sex marriage long before it became widely accepted. He consistently supports abortion rights, gun control measures, and increasing the minimum wage.
Following last week’s success, Newsom might find allies in the Democratic Party who could consider teaming up for his 2028 run.
Moderate Democrats are also finding success in gubernatorial races in states like New Jersey and Virginia, suggesting a more centrist approach could be beneficial heading into the 2028 presidential contest.
Newsom understands the importance of image in today’s social media-driven landscape, and he has access to significant financial backing in California. Additionally, the Democratic primary process retains some elements from Biden’s administration, possibly giving Newsom an advantage in early races.
He can confidently assert that his party has managed to keep prospects alive for a fruitful 2026 midterm election.
Last year’s Politician of the Year honor went to former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who stood against Trump and faced ostracization from her own party in the process.
Newsom, the recipient of this year’s accolade, represents a new, fighting spirit within his party.
