Nobody expected to see this.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has doubled his support in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, setting off alarm bells for conservatives and MAGA voters nationwide.
A new McLaughlin & Associates poll shows Newsom jumping from 9% in July to 18% in August, a surge that positions him as a serious threat to President Donald Trump’s America First movement and a possible frontrunner in the upcoming race.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris remains ahead with 27% support, up slightly from 25%. But insiders warn that Harris’ lead is fragile as Democrats increasingly see Newsom as their fighter-in-chief.
Newsom’s Rise Fueled by Battles With Trump
Newsom has aggressively built his national profile by clashing with President Trump and Republicans at every opportunity. His high-profile fights include:
- Blocking Trump’s move to federalize the National Guard to restore order in Los Angeles during violent protests this summer.
- Pushing a radical redistricting plan to cement Democratic power in California while countering Texas Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting push.
- Using aggressive social media attacks to target President Trump and conservative lawmakers.
Political strategist Christian Grose told Newsweek that Newsom’s strategy is clearly working:
“His bold stance on redistricting and his willingness to challenge President Trump directly have helped elevate him with Democratic primary voters nationwide.”
However, Grose warned that early poll numbers don’t always translate to victory, pointing to Bernie Sanders’ failed 2020 campaign and Ron DeSantis’ 2024 collapse despite their strong early numbers.
The Rest of the Democratic Field Struggles
Aside from Harris and Newsom, other Democrats are failing to gain traction:
- Pete Buttigieg – 9%
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) – 4%
- Jasmine Crockett, Cory Booker, and Josh Shapiro – 3% each
This fractured field suggests that many Democrats are desperate for a unifying figure, and Newsom is quickly becoming their top choice.
Polls Show Newsom Gaining Momentum Across Key Groups
Other national polls show similar trends:
- Morning Consult: Newsom rose from 11% in June to 19% in August.
- Emerson College: Support skyrocketed from 12% to 25% during the same period.
Most alarming for conservatives, Newsom’s support among older voters aged 70+ jumped from 13% to 31%, indicating his message is resonating with traditionally harder-to-reach demographics.
He also made double-digit gains among both Black voters (up to 23%) and White voters (up to 24%), showing broad appeal across the Democratic base.
Trump Responds: ‘Grossly Incompetent’
President Trump, who has battled Newsom repeatedly over California’s crime, homelessness, and tax policies, delivered a sharp rebuke when asked about the governor’s rise.
“He’s been a complete disaster,” Trump remarked. “I get along with Gavin — he’s a decent guy personally — but he’s totally incompetent, and everyone can see it.”
Conservatives view Newsom as the face of the radical left, overseeing a state plagued by sky-high taxes, mass exodus of residents, and rampant crime.
Why Conservatives Should Be Concerned
Newsom’s rapid rise signals a major threat to Trump’s MAGA movement. Many Democrats frustrated with weak party leadership see Newsom as the fighter they’ve been waiting for — someone willing to go toe-to-toe with Trump.
Though Newsom claims he has “no plans to run,” his recent visits to early-voting states like South Carolina strongly suggest otherwise.
Key takeaway for conservatives: Democrats are uniting behind a strong, aggressive candidate, while Trump and his supporters must prepare for a massive political showdown in 2028.
The Road Ahead
- Newsom’s second term as California governor ends in January 2027, right before the primary season begins.
- Campaign announcements are expected after the 2026 midterms, giving Democrats ample time to organize and fundraise.
- Multiple big-name Democrats are expected to join the race, but early momentum can heavily influence donors and endorsements.
Bottom Line
Gavin Newsom’s growing power is a clear warning sign for conservatives. While President Trump remains a dominant force, the Democrats are strategically rallying behind Newsom, a polished, media-savvy candidate who has mastered political theater.
As the 2028 race approaches, conservatives must stay informed and engaged — because Newsom’s rise could reshape the political landscape and challenge the MAGA agenda like never before.