Story perspectives

2028 Showdown: Newsom vs. Harris Heats Up

12/12/2025

Center

Newsom vs. Harris

California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris have a frenemy dynamic as potential 2028 candidates, with tensions tied to Harris's 2024 campaign book.
Newsom plans to run after leaving office in January 2027.
Kamala Harris has formed a political action committee signaling she may run.
Polls show Newsom leading Harris among Democrats.
Newsom's California record, marked by homelessness and deficits, could hinder his national appeal.

Right

Newsom Mocks Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted an AI-generated video mocking U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration to "wake everybody up."
The video depicts Trump and other officials in handcuffs.
The Trump administration criticized Newsom's healthcare initiatives for undocumented immigrants.
Peter Navarro, Trump's senior advisor, condemned Newsom's post as inciting violence.
Newsom responded with a dismissive emoji, escalating the feud.

Left

Newsom Critiques Miller

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as embodying "cruelty and chaos."
In a podcast with Jack Cocchiarella, Newsom recounted families affected by ICE raids and the toll on children.
Newsom argued that Trumpism relies solely on U.S. President Donald Trump’s persona.
He said Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio cannot sustain Trump's coalition amid party divisions.

History

Historical Context

Ronald Reagan's election as California Governor in 1966 marked a pivotal shift towards conservatism, winning with 57.5% of the vote amid rising crime and social unrest. His campaign capitalized on public discontent, particularly regarding student protests at Berkeley. Today, leaders like Newsom and Harris navigate a similarly divided political landscape, reflecting ongoing struggles for Democratic leadership in California.

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Newsom vs. Harris

California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris have a frenemy dynamic as potential 2028 candidates, with tensions tied to Harris's 2024 campaign book.
Newsom plans to run after leaving office in January 2027.
Kamala Harris has formed a political action committee signaling she may run.
Polls show Newsom leading Harris among Democrats.
Newsom's California record, marked by homelessness and deficits, could hinder his national appeal.

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