California Governor Gavin Newsom's prominence on the national political stage appears to be waning in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris's ascension as the 2024 Democratic nominee.
Once considered a rising star within the Democratic Party and a potential presidential contender, Newsom's visibility has notably decreased since Harris secured the nomination through a behind-the-scenes agreement.
According to a report by Breitbart News, Newsom's reduced public presence is a stark contrast to his previous role as a surrogate for President Biden and his own rumored presidential aspirations. The shift in dynamics within the Democratic Party has left many wondering about Newsom's future role in national politics and his relationship with Harris, a fellow Californian with whom he shares a complex history of alliance and rivalry.
The change in Newsom's national profile became evident during the recent Democratic National Convention. Unlike many of his colleagues, the California governor opted for a low-key approach, focusing on cable TV appearances and podcast interviews rather than participating in high-profile convention events. This strategy marked a significant departure from his previous active involvement in national campaigning.
Newsom's reduced involvement in out-of-state campaigning is particularly noteworthy. Prior to Harris's nomination, he had been actively barnstorming across the country in support of Biden's candidacy. The abrupt shift in his campaign activities has raised questions about his current standing within the party and his role in Harris's campaign strategy.
Despite the apparent step back from the national spotlight, Newsom's team insists that he remains fully committed to supporting Harris's campaign. Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom's political operation, emphasized the governor's dedication to the vice president's cause.
The sudden change in Newsom's national profile has sparked speculation about his own political ambitions. Prior to Harris's nomination, there were persistent rumors about Newsom's potential presidential aspirations, which he had previously denied. Now, political observers are questioning whether his reduced visibility will impact his future prospects on the national stage.
Newsom's team has been quick to dismiss any notion that the governor's own presidential ambitions are influencing his level of involvement in Harris's campaign. They maintain that Newsom is focused solely on supporting Harris and defeating former President Trump in the upcoming election.
However, the situation has highlighted the complex dynamics between Newsom and Harris, both products of San Francisco's political elite. Their shared background and occasional rivalry add an intriguing layer to the current political landscape.
Despite the apparent reduction in Newsom's national profile, his team insists that coordination with Harris's campaign is ongoing. They have announced plans for Newsom to headline a fundraiser for Harris in San Mateo County, demonstrating his continued support for her candidacy.
Additionally, Newsom's camp has stated that they are working with Harris's team to organize campaign events for September. This coordination suggests that while Newsom's role may have changed, he still intends to play a part in the national campaign effort.
Newsom himself has acknowledged that the focus of the campaign may lie elsewhere, particularly in swing states. In a brief statement to the Los Angeles Times, he said:
At the end of the day it will be swing states that will be determinative, and if I can fill a void that others can't, then I'll be there.
Gavin Newsom's national political profile has significantly diminished following Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate for 2024. Once a prominent surrogate for President Biden, Newsom has taken a less visible role in national campaigning. Despite this shift, his team insists he remains committed to supporting Harris's campaign. The situation has sparked speculation about Newsom's own political future and highlighted the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party's upper echelons.
