California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the ongoing governor race during a book promotion event in Los Angeles on March 4, 2024. While he has not officially endorsed any candidate to succeed him, Newsom expressed that lower-polling Democratic contenders should consider withdrawing from the race. This suggestion aligns with remarks made earlier by Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, who urged candidates without a viable chance to win to step aside.
The event took place at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, where Newsom was promoting his memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.” During his address, he stated, “At this moment in history, … for California — the most un-Trump state in America — to have a Republican Trumper running, there is no margin for error.” Although he did not specify the candidates he was referring to, his comments resonate within a race that includes Republican figures such as Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton.
The evening’s discussion was moderated by Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, co-hosts of the podcast “Pod Save America.” Favreau described Newsom as “irreplaceable,” prompting a lighthearted response from the governor about seeking a third term. This quip seemed to echo sentiments from former President Donald Trump, who has previously hinted at a desire for a third presidential run.
Newsom took the opportunity to critique Trump’s recent actions, including a controversial military strike in Iran and ongoing immigration policies affecting California. The conversation shifted between critiques of the former president and personal anecdotes from Newsom’s memoir, revealing insights into his past and his political journey.
As a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, Newsom described the writing process of his memoir as cathartic. He shared personal experiences, including the challenges of growing up with dyslexia. “My whole life I felt dumb,” he remarked, recalling how his mother once told him it was acceptable to be “average.” Through writing, he came to understand her message was about embracing his true self.
Despite the generally supportive atmosphere, the event was punctuated by disruptions from audience members who voiced their dissent before being escorted out by security. At one point, the discussion turned to Newsom’s historic decision as mayor of San Francisco in 2004 to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, an action that drew applause and cheers from attendees.
Recently, Newsom faced backlash from some members of the LGBTQ+ community for comments he made about the Democratic Party needing to be “more culturally normal.” His remarks sparked criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, which stated, “It’s deeply concerning for anyone, especially our elected leaders, to be defining who or what is ‘culturally normal.’”
As he continues his book tour, Newsom is scheduled for an event in Las Vegas on March 5, 2024. The discourse surrounding his candidacy and the future of the Democratic Party in California remains a focal point as the state prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial election.
