Gov. Gavin Newsom simply survived a recall try in 2021, then overwhelmingly gained re-election a yr later.
However his approval ranking dropped to a low level by November 2023, and hasn’t recovered. Californians stay divided on his job efficiency (49% approval, 48% disapproval in a September Public Coverage Institute of California survey).
Republicans within the Legislature trash Newsom and his insurance policies on a regular basis. Now some Republicans, making an attempt to maintain their seats in Congress, are attempting to tie their Democratic opponents to the governor.
One instance: In a new advert out TuesdayGOP Rep. Ken Calvert assaults Democrat Will Rollins on taxes by citing Newsom. “He’s slick, loves taxes and more liberal than Gavin Newsom,” the narrator says as a picture of Newsom’s face adjustments into Rollins’.
- The narrator: “We can’t stop Gavin Newsom, but we can stop radical Will Rollins.”
Calvert and Rollins are contesting the forty first District within the Inland Empire, one in every of California’s swing congressional races that would assist resolve management of Congress. Within the Sacramento-area third District, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley has an advert looking for to hyperlink his Democratic challenger, Jessica Morse, to Newsom and rising residence insurance coverage and utility charges.
Newsom isn’t instantly campaigning for Democrats in swing districts within the Central Valley, the place he’s even much less fashionable. Partially, the Republicans are utilizing Newsom’s unpopularity, notably amongst GOP voters, to counter Democrats’ makes an attempt to use abortion rights to encourage Democratic voters.
A Newsom political spokesperson didn’t reply to a request for remark.
U.S. Senate: For those who’re questioning why California’s U.S. Senate race seems twice in your poll, a reminder: There are two separate elections — one to choose the one that will serve out the unexpired time period till early January, and the second to decide on the particular person for the complete six-year time period.
It’s seemingly that the winner of the primary contest might be sworn into workplace as quickly because the outcomes are licensed, giving them a head begin on seniority over different new U.S. senators elected in November. For those who go by the polls, that’ll be Democratic Rep. Adam Schiffwho has a considerable lead over Republican Steve Garvey.
The present officeholder, Laphonza Butlerwas appointed by Gov. Newsom after the demise of Dianne Feinstein final October, however rapidly determined to not run.
