California Governor Gavin Newsom’s aggressive positioning for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is triggering alarm bells among party insiders and donors who fear his extreme leftist record will hand Republicans another victory.
Story Snapshot
- Democratic megadonor Tom Steyer’s recent clashes with Newsom allies reveal deep party fractures over the governor’s 2028 ambitions
- Party strategists criticize Newsom’s ego-driven national positioning while serving as California governor, questioning his priorities
- Analysts warn Newsom’s record of extreme policies in California creates significant vulnerabilities against Republican opponents
- Internal Democratic tensions intensify as Newsom builds donor networks and national visibility despite concerns about electability
Democratic Donor Tensions Expose Party Divide
Tom Steyer, the billionaire climate activist and former presidential candidate, has become an unlikely flashpoint in Democratic Party infighting over Newsom’s presidential ambitions. In October 2025, Steyer’s advertising campaign for California’s Proposition 50 redistricting measure created friction with Newsom supporters who felt his messaging competed with their own efforts. The incident highlights deeper frustrations within Democratic circles about competing egos and priorities. One labor leader working on a Democratic campaign captured the sentiment bluntly, questioning Newsom’s decision to insert himself into national conversations alongside figures like Barack Obama.
Newsom’s Calculated 2028 Strategy Raises Red Flags
Newsom has spent the past year systematically building his presidential infrastructure through increased national media appearances, aggressive Democratic policy messaging, and donor network cultivation. Term-limited from seeking a third gubernatorial term after taking office in 2019 and winning reelection in 2022, Newsom positions himself as the party’s most visible messenger. Democratic strategists report scrambling as he attempts to cast himself as the savior of the Democratic Party. This self-promotional approach, however, raises fundamental questions about whether he can appeal beyond the progressive base that embraced his California governance style.
California Record Creates Electoral Vulnerabilities
Critics within the Democratic Party point to Newsom’s California record as a significant liability for a general election campaign. His governance has been characterized by policies that appeal to progressive activists but potentially alienate independent and moderate voters crucial for winning swing states. Analysts note that scrutiny will intensify dramatically as Newsom moves closer to formally announcing his candidacy. While some Democrats believe he could energize the base, skeptics question whether voters outside California’s deep-blue electorate will embrace a governor whose state has become synonymous with high taxes, regulatory overreach, and urban dysfunction under progressive leadership.
Party Unity Concerns Mount Ahead of 2028
The tensions surrounding Newsom’s presidential positioning reflect broader Democratic anxieties about party direction and nominee selection with the 2028 primary cycle approaching. Internal divisions between Newsom supporters and skeptics threaten party cohesion at a time when some Democratic figures urge members to stop infighting and focus on opposing President Trump’s agenda. The clash between Steyer and Newsom allies exemplifies these fractures, as competing ambitions and egos undermine unity efforts. For conservatives watching these developments, the spectacle offers hope that Democratic dysfunction and extreme policy positions will continue driving voters toward Republican candidates who champion constitutional principles and common-sense governance over California-style progressive experiments.
Sources:
Tom Steyer is infuriating Democrats — again – Politico
California governor’s race: Tom Steyer – CalMatters
