Who would’ve expected this.
A former Democrat warns that the Democratic Party is setting itself up for another crushing loss in the 2028 presidential election if California Governor Gavin Newsom becomes their nominee.
During an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime, Evan Barker, a former Democratic operative who recently left the party, shared her concerns. She revealed that she had voted for President Trump in the 2024 election after growing disillusioned with the direction of her former party. Barker expressed doubt that Newsom, with his flashy, polished image, could connect with voters in crucial swing states. “If Gavin Newsom is the nominee in 2028, the Democrats deserve to lose again,” Barker said. “There’s no way a pretty boy from Marin County is going to win over the voters who matter in places like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It just isn’t going to happen.”
Barker pointed to Newsom’s high-profile breach of COVID-19 restrictions as a major liability. The governor was famously caught dining at the upscale French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley during strict lockdowns, which earned widespread backlash. For voters struggling to make ends meet, she argued, this kind of elitism is a significant turnoff. “The working-class voter is not going to forget that,” Barker added, suggesting it would be hard for Newsom to overcome the perception of being out of touch with everyday Americans.
As Biden’s top surrogate during the 2024 election, Newsom was frequently in the spotlight, often representing the Democratic Party in key battleground states. He also faced off against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a high-profile debate, with some viewing this as a preview of a potential national campaign. But his future may soon become clearer: Newsom’s second term in Sacramento ends in 2026, right around the time the 2028 race heats up.
With Vice President Kamala Harris seen as a potential successor to Newsom as governor, California could see a political shift if Newsom decides to run for president. A recent poll showed a near-even split among Californians when asked about Harris potentially replacing Newsom. Forty-six percent said they’d consider supporting her for governor, while 42% were less enthusiastic.
If Newsom does run for president in 2028, Barker believes that the Democrats will need more than just another slick politician to win back the working-class voters who feel abandoned by the party. Without a candidate who can unite the country and appeal to a broader electorate, she predicts the Democrats could suffer yet another election defeat.