California Governor Gavin Newsom has come under fire for neglecting the issues facing his own state while actively campaigning for President Biden. Despite facing mounting pressure from his base to drop out, Newsom has been busy rallying for the president in various states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. This has caused concern among some, like state Sen. Brian Dahle, who ran against Newsom in a special recall election in 2022.
Dahle pointed out that California is facing significant challenges such as a budget deficit, businesses leaving the state, and high cost of living. These are all issues that need attention, but Newsom has been more focused on supporting Biden’s campaign. Despite denying claims that he is running a “shadow campaign” to replace the president, Newsom has been actively participating in Biden’s campaign events and urging staffers to focus on the task at hand.
While Newsom has been traveling to campaign for Biden, California has been dealing with excessive heat, wildfires, and a growing homeless population. The state continues to lose residents to other states and its big cities are struggling with crime and homelessness. Dahle criticized Newsom for ineffective policies that have not addressed these issues effectively, despite large amounts of spending.
As President Biden faces pressure to drop out of the 2024 race, Newsom has remained loyal to him, stating that he will never turn his back on the president. However, concerns about Biden’s mental acuity have been raised, especially after a report from the Wall Street Journal. Newsom’s dedication to supporting Biden has been unwavering, but some believe that he should prioritize addressing the pressing issues in California.
It is essential for Newsom to strike a balance between supporting Biden and addressing the needs of his own state. While campaigning for the president is important, the issues facing California require immediate attention and effective solutions. Newsom must demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to addressing these challenges while also supporting his party’s presidential nominee. Balancing these priorities will be crucial for Newsom as he navigates both state and national politics in the coming months.