Newsom’s podcast politics falls flat as conservative voices gain traction in America’s progressive stronghold
LOS ANGELES (AP) – California’s long-established Democratic powerhouse is showing signs of vulnerability as Republican opposition gains momentum in what has been considered the nation’s ultimate progressive stronghold.
Despite Democrats controlling the governor’s office and supermajorities in both legislative chambers, there’s a palpable sense of unease among the party’s leadership as Republican lawmakers increasingly challenge their policies.
Governor Gavin Newsom, potentially eyeing a 2028 presidential run, has launched his own podcast featuring conversations with conservative figures in an apparent attempt to neutralize right-wing media influence. In a recent episode, Newsom surprised many by agreeing with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk that transgender athletes competing in women’s sports is “very unfair.”
This stance prompted Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli to publicly pressure Newsom on why he won’t support Assembly Bill 844, which would repeal a 2013 law allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports competitions.
Republican lawmakers have faced consequences for questioning Democratic policies. Assemblyman Carl DeMaio was removed from the budget committee after revealing that providing unlimited health insurance benefits to undocumented immigrants costs taxpayers over $9.5 billion annually.
Recent election results reflect growing conservative sentiment among voters. In November, Californians overwhelmingly supported crime enforcement measures that Newsom strongly opposed, while rejecting initiatives that would have made it easier for local governments to increase debt and property taxes.
Essayli and DeMaio have established a campaign committee aimed at placing voter ID requirements on the November 2026 ballot. According to DeMaio, recent polling shows 68% of California voters support such measures—indicating a significant shift in voter attitudes even in this Democratic stronghold.
Political analysts suggest this trend reflects growing voter frustration with high taxes, crime rates, utility costs, housing prices, and poverty levels under Democratic leadership. The situation serves as a warning sign for Democrats nationwide: if California’s progressive fortress can be breached, similar political shifts might occur elsewhere in the country.
