Politics is often as much about perception as it is about policy. A single move, a careless word, or even the choice of which battles to fight can reshape a politician’s standing in the eyes of the public. Governors especially must walk a fine line: they are expected to manage the day-to-day crises of their own states while also navigating the larger national stage. For California Governor Gavin Newsom, this balance has always been precarious.
Newsom is ambitious. Few would dispute that. His name has been floated in national conversations about the Democratic Party’s future for years. Some even see him as a possible presidential candidate should circumstances align. But ambition comes with risk. And for Newsom, that risk has begun to crystalize in ways that critics argue expose deep flaws in his leadership style.
The California Backdrop
Before digging into Newsom’s latest misstep, it’s important to remember the state he governs. California is both a beacon of opportunity and a cautionary tale. It boasts Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and an economy larger than many countries. Yet at the same time, the state struggles with soaring homelessness, rising crime in major cities, unaffordable housing, and some of the highest taxes in the nation.
Critics often argue that while Newsom relishes high-profile battles with Republican governors and national media appearances, he neglects these festering problems at home. Encampments dot sidewalks in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Middle-class families are squeezed by cost-of-living pressures. Small businesses face a gauntlet of regulations and tax burdens.
In short, while California remains a powerhouse, many residents feel their quality of life is declining. This perception — fair or not — makes every decision Newsom takes outside his state subject to even harsher scrutiny.
Picking National Fights
Rather than focusing solely inward, Newsom has repeatedly sought to position himself as a counterweight to conservative leaders. His favorite sparring partner has been Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. The rivalry between the two reached its peak in November 2023, when the two faced off in a nationally televised debate.
What was intended as Newsom’s opportunity to showcase his vision and contrast California’s progressive model with Florida’s conservative approach turned into a widely panned performance. DeSantis, armed with statistics and sharp rebuttals, landed blow after blow. Newsom appeared defensive, at times evasive, and left the stage looking diminished.
Observers noted the awkward moment when Newsom’s wife — who insists on being referred to as “First Partner” — ushered him away almost immediately after his closing remarks. To Democrats, the night was a disappointment. To Republicans, it was proof that Newsom lacked the chops to handle a national platform.
Enter Proposition 50
Instead of recalibrating, Newsom has doubled down on aggressive moves that critics say reek of political opportunism. His latest push, Proposition 50, has stirred particular controversy.
The measure, pitched as a “temporary” adjustment, would effectively dismantle California’s independent redistricting commission. This body, designed to draw fair political maps free from partisan interference, has long been seen as a safeguard against gerrymandering.
But why target it now? Critics believe the timing is no accident. By undercutting the commission, Democrats in California could gain more control over congressional maps at a time when the balance of power in Washington is razor thin.
To Newsom’s detractors, this is nothing less than hypocrisy. For years, Democrats have accused Republicans — especially in states like Texas and North Carolina — of gerrymandering. Now, they argue, Newsom is attempting to do the very same thing under the guise of reform.
Meddling in North Carolina
As if reshaping California’s political landscape weren’t enough, Newsom has also inserted himself into North Carolina’s political drama.
Recently, CBS 17 reported that longtime Republican State Senate leader Phil Berger was allegedly negotiating with former President Donald Trump. The claim? That Berger would receive Trump’s endorsement in a 2026 primary in exchange for agreeing to redraw North Carolina’s congressional maps in a way favorable to Trump.
The story, built on anonymous sources, quickly spread. But critics were quick to note its shaky foundation. The group Carolina Forward, a left-leaning advocacy organization that often presents itself as “non-partisan,” had blasted out talking points on the alleged deal before CBS 17 even went live with the report. To many Republicans, it smelled less like investigative journalism and more like coordinated political theater.
And yet, there was Gavin Newsom, amplifying the allegations, weighing in on another state’s political disputes while his own faces mounting crises.
Berger Fires Back
Phil Berger, not one to shy away from confrontation, swiftly denied the report. He dismissed the idea that he had spoken to Trump about endorsements or cut any sort of quid pro quo deal. But he also took the opportunity to swipe at Newsom.
“If we have to draw one more map this year, we will,” Berger said, referencing the endless lawsuits and court battles over redistricting in North Carolina. “That said, I’ve never spoken to President Trump about this or an endorsement. The Democrats are spreading lies to hurt President Trump.”
Berger’s response was both a denial and a warning. He made it clear that he saw through what he viewed as a Democratic smear campaign — and that if push came to shove, Republicans in North Carolina were ready to hold their ground.
Why This Was a Mistake for Newsom
So why does this matter? Why is Newsom’s involvement in North Carolina being described as a gigantic political mistake?
First, it plays directly into the narrative that he is more interested in national political theater than solving California’s deeply rooted issues. Every time he comments on another state’s affairs, he opens himself up to the charge of hypocrisy: why not fix San Francisco before critiquing Charlotte? Why weigh in on North Carolina maps when Los Angeles residents are fleeing to Texas and Nevada?
Second, his decision to amplify a story built on thin sourcing makes him appear reckless. Politicians are often criticized for jumping on rumors to score quick political points, and in this case, Newsom looks like he was willing to spread an unverified narrative simply because it targeted Republicans. If the story crumbles, so too does his credibility.
Third, Newsom’s moves undermine his standing within his own party. Some Democrats privately groan every time he picks another fight because it distracts from their broader message and risks alienating moderate voters who dislike political grandstanding.
A Media Landscape Under Fire
It’s not just Newsom under the microscope. Outlets like CBS 17 have also faced heavy criticism for running with a story based largely on anonymous whispers. The relationship between politicians and media is always fraught, but in this case, the optics were particularly poor.
By relying on “several sources” that may have effectively boiled down to a single partisan group, the outlet opened itself up to charges of bias. To Republicans, it confirmed what they have long believed: that mainstream outlets are too quick to launder Democratic talking points under the label of journalism.
For Newsom to hitch his credibility to such reporting only magnified the backlash.
What Comes Next
The fallout from Newsom’s latest blunder is still unfolding. His allies will likely defend him, arguing that governors have every right to comment on national political trends. His critics, however, see a pattern — one of ambition overshadowing responsibility, of a leader who prefers national stage lights to the gritty work of fixing his own state’s problems.
Meanwhile, Californians continue to deal with the issues that have defined Newsom’s tenure:
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Homelessness that grows despite billions in funding.
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Crime that sparks headlines and drives residents to relocate.
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Taxes and regulations that push businesses to leave the state.
Each time Newsom diverts his attention elsewhere, these problems serve as a backdrop, reminding voters of what remains unresolved.
Conclusion: The Price of Overreach
For Gavin Newsom, politics has always been about more than California. His aspirations are clear, his national profile undeniable. But ambition is a double-edged sword. By inserting himself into controversies outside his state — from fights with Ron DeSantis to allegations in North Carolina — he risks becoming a caricature: the governor more interested in grandstanding than governing.
The “gigantic mistake” is not a single headline or a fleeting controversy. It is the broader impression being cemented in the public’s mind: that Gavin Newsom is failing the very people who entrusted him with leadership while chasing relevance elsewhere.
And in politics, perception is often reality.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.