California Governor Gavin Newsom is receiving backlash from fellow Democrats in his own state, as reported on Tuesday.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has been particularly vocal, criticizing newspapers and even publicly opposing Newsom. Mahan has taken to social media to voice his frustrations about California’s drug addiction issues and homelessness crisis, leading to concerns among the governor’s advisors, according to Politico.
Neither Newsom’s office nor Mahan’s office responded to inquiries. On August 30, Mahan posted that solving actual problems is a better way to improve California than simply being optimistic or engaging in online banter.
Additionally, Mahan wrote an op-ed calling out Newsom’s focus on social media rather than addressing real-world challenges. He suggested that while the governor’s social media tactics might aid in a potential presidential campaign, they could detract from improving the lives of Californians.
Mahan argued that Sacramento needs to invest more efforts into tackling California’s high energy costs and addressing issues that drive families and businesses away from the state. There has been speculation that Newsom is preparing for a 2028 presidential run, potentially channeling Trump’s contentious style, a notion that Mahan believes is counterproductive.
Mahan criticized the oversight of Proposition 36, which is aimed at curbing retail theft and drug use, stating that Newsom and the California Legislature have not provided sufficient funding. He clarified that his disagreements with Newsom are grounded in practical concerns rather than personal or political motivations.
Mahan expressed fears about political discourse becoming polarized and focused on rhetoric rather than solutions. In response, Newsom’s spokesman indicated that despite any perceived tensions, they are all on the same team.
Some long-time Democratic strategists have expressed skepticism regarding Mahan’s criticisms, suggesting it may backfire in his political career. One anonymous advisor suggested that Mahan’s approach could alienate core Democratic voters, while another acknowledged Mahan’s right to voice frustrations about Newsom’s focus on national ambitions.
Despite limitations preventing Newsom from seeking re-election in 2026, his national visibility has grown, illustrated by the launch of his podcast “This Is Gavin Newsom.” Recent polls indicate he could be a frontrunner for the hypothetical 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
