During an interview on “State of the Union,” CNN host Dana Bash challenged California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the state’s affordability issues. She highlighted a couple who relocated to Nashville to escape California’s steep living costs, mentioning that California’s cost of living is 11 percent above the national average.
Bash pointed out the struggles many face when it comes to affording rent or home ownership in California. She recounted her conversation with the couple, emphasizing the difficult reality they encountered. Newsom responded by noting that while many have moved to California, the state’s economy is thriving, having become the fourth-largest in the world. He claimed that California holds substantial advantages across several industries.
Bash then reiterated the hardships many residents experience while also critiquing Newsom’s initiatives like the promotion of affordable insulin and universal healthcare. Newsom defended his administration’s efforts by mentioning California’s high minimum wage for healthcare and fast food workers, in addition to existing subsidies for childcare slots. He claimed that diverse strategies are being utilized to tackle the long-standing affordability crisis.
However, the governor acknowledged the state’s significant housing challenges. He criticized the state’s past approaches, admitting that there hasn’t been sufficient action taken. He did mention recent housing reforms that, despite some skepticism, have been recognized as groundbreaking.
If Newsom is contemplating a presidential run in 2028, scrutiny over California’s policies will likely intensify. A recent poll indicated that he and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are tied for second place among potential Democratic candidates, trailing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
