Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State Address: A Glimpse into 2028
California Governor Gavin Newsom presented a somewhat subdued vision for his potential 2028 presidential campaign during his final State of the State address on Thursday.
During his speech, Newsom likened himself to someone deeply connected to America’s rivers, describing himself as a “scholar in progress” who is constantly learning from his congressional peers.
However, it’s hard to tell how many lawmakers were truly engaged with his message.
The reception was tepid; he received only scattered applause upon entering the chamber and remained mostly quiet throughout the event.
In his address, he avoided the dramatic gestures typical of his speaking style, instead emphasizing California’s flourishing economy, increased wages for low-income workers, and significant crime reductions.
Yet, he also took time to address a specific group he aims to soothe during his campaign: men struggling with emotional health.
Newsom seems acutely aware of the Democratic party’s waning appeal among younger voters, noting statistics like how four out of five suicide victims are men. He pointed out that men face higher incarceration rates, are more likely to die from drug overdoses, and experience homelessness at alarming rates.
“One in seven men has no friends,” he stated, prompting some raised eyebrows in the chamber. He also mentioned that half of young men have never asked a woman out in person.
Though he projected a sense of vulnerability in what could be his last major address as governor, it came with financial news: the new budget bypassed an expected $18 billion deficit and provided an additional $42.3 billion in revenue compared to last year’s estimates.
Newsom didn’t shy away from criticizing President Trump, highlighting California’s ongoing 52 lawsuits against his administration, which address various issues like healthcare research cuts and responses to wildfires.
“It’s time for the president of the United States to act like the president of all of America,” he declared, earning some applause, especially when acknowledging first responders.
He also reflected on broader challenges, admitting that while China leads in electric vehicle production and green initiatives, progress on housing development and disaster recovery remains too slow, a situation he attributes again to Trump.
Republicans reacted quickly and harshly to his remarks. State Senator Tony Strickland labeled it a “campaign speech,” while Representative Carl DeMaio was outraged that Newsom claimed credit for reducing crime statistics.
“It was a campaign speech, not really a ‘State of the State’ address. His version of California isn’t reflective of reality,” Strickland said. He pointed to rising gas prices that disproportionately affect hardworking families, intensifying the affordability crisis.
“The only positive about Gov. Newsom is that he’s a skilled liar. His ambition is limitless, which makes him quite dangerous,” DeMaio added.
Ultimately, Newsom, known for his unpredictable style, played it relatively safe this time, seemingly setting the stage for his future ambitions.
