Could Newsom actually win in 2028?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is getting a major early advantage for 2028, thanks to Hollywood’s wealthiest liberal donors who appear eager to rally behind him long before the Democratic primary officially begins. A new Deadline report shows that powerful entertainment insiders may be preparing to pour millions into boosting Newsom’s national ambitions.
One top producer — described as a longtime “Democratic ATM” — told Deadline, “He’s a fighter, that’s what we need!” The donor went on to complain that Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer should copy Newsom’s combative style instead of “taking any nonsense from Trump.”
Hollywood’s elite have cheered Newsom for years as he publicly targets President Donald Trump, launching online attacks, posting campaign-style videos, and expanding his presence on friendly platforms such as podcasts and Substack. That aggressive approach has made Newsom a favorite among progressive activists and Hollywood insiders who want a candidate willing to go after Trump nonstop.
Newsom also scored major support from left-wing donors after championing Prop 50, a ballot measure widely criticized for reshaping California’s political map to give Democrats even more control. Celebrating the initiative’s success, Newsom declared, “Donald Trump poked the bear. And the bear roared back.”
Even entertainment executives who once doubted him now say Newsom has “impressed” them with his relentless political jabs. One agency insider told Deadline that Newsom’s tactics have energized liberal donors who want to see him step onto the national stage.
Newsom, now in his second term, has openly stated that he will consider a presidential run after the 2026 midterms — and big donors are already preparing for it.
Even HBO’s Bill Maher, who routinely criticizes Democrats for drifting too far left, has acknowledged Newsom’s growing popularity among the party’s base. Meanwhile, former Obama ambassador and HBO executive James Costos confirmed that Los Angeles donors are writing “big checks” and showing “strong enthusiasm” for a Newsom presidential run.
According to Costos, liberal donors who were demoralized after the 2024 loss to President Trump are suddenly energized again. They point to activist events, legal battles, celebrity-driven fundraisers, and what some call the “Kimmel effect” as signs that the Hollywood machine is gearing up for 2026 and 2028.
Another prominent entertainment producer said flat-out that “anyone who really matters” wants to be on the “Newsom train” early to secure influence if he becomes the Democratic nominee.
Even so, some Democrats warn it’s still very early in the 2028 cycle. Wealthy donors may wait to see whether another candidate emerges with broader national appeal.
The potential field is expected to be packed. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and even 2024 Democrat nominee Kamala Harris could all enter the race. But Harris’s devastating 2024 defeat — especially as a former California senator — may leave primary voters hesitant to support another deep-blue California contender.
California itself has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988, which may add to Democratic concerns about backing yet another figure from the nation’s most reliably liberal state.
For now, Hollywood’s biggest donors seem committed to elevating Newsom — hoping he becomes their next national star, even as everyday Americans continue to feel the consequences of California’s far-left policies.