California Gov. Gavin Newsom just notched a major win with Proposition 50, but is this a stepping stone to a bigger fight against conservative values?
According to Newsmax, Newsom’s latest triumph came with the passage of Proposition 50 on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, a measure that redraws U.S. House districts in California to potentially hand Democrats five extra seats, all while positioning himself as a direct counter to President Donald Trump’s redistricting strategies in states like Texas.
Let’s rewind a bit to the two-month campaign for Prop 50, where Newsom and his allies poured in a staggering $100 million, fueled by 1.2 million contributions, including over 100,000 from outside California. Campaign coffers got so full they actually asked donors to stop. Now that’s a flex, but one wonders if this cash could’ve tackled California’s real woes like homelessness or sky-high taxes.
Newsom framed this redistricting as a direct jab at Trump’s efforts in Texas, where Republicans are angling for five new seats of their own. It’s a chess game of political power, and while Democrats have fewer pieces to play with, Newsom seems determined to checkmate conservative gains.
Republicans, meanwhile, are mirroring this strategy in other states to cement influence during Trump’s term. It’s a reminder that both sides are playing hardball, though one might argue Newsom’s focus on national posturing distracts from California’s crumbling home insurance market or residents fleeing high costs.
Speaking of posturing, Newsom’s been building a national profile since at least 2022, when he criticized his own Democratic Party for losing ground in cultural debates. Trips to early-voting states like South Carolina and appearances on national TV and podcasts show he’s not just governing—he’s campaigning. And that all-caps, Trump-style social media from his press office? Bold, if not a bit derivative.
Newsom didn’t shy away from the big question last month on CBS News, confirming he’s mulling a 2028 presidential run, with a final call coming after the 2026 midterms. With the next election three years off and his time as governor winding down, the timing feels calculated. But does California’s baggage—think high energy bills and housing crises—make him a risky bet for Democrats?
“We stood tall and we stood firm in response to Donald Trump’s recklessness,” Newsom declared, adding, “After poking the bear, this bear roared.” Nice soundbite, but let’s be real—standing tall is easy when you’ve got $100 million to spend, while everyday Californians are still struggling to stand at all under the weight of state policies.
Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett chimed in, saying, “He’s betting that Democratic primary voters will remember that he was standing as this bulwark against Trump as he’s attempting to consolidate power.” Sure, it’s a smart play for the progressive crowd, but betting on memory in politics is like betting on a sunny day in San Francisco—don’t hold your breath.
California voters are split on Newsom’s performance, with a majority giving a thumbs-up per the AP Voter Poll, yet just over half don’t want him chasing the White House in 2028. Even among his fans, about 2 in 10 who approve of his governorship aren’t sold on a presidential bid. That’s a lukewarm endorsement for a man aiming to be the face of the Democratic Party.
Drill down further, and about 3 in 10 Democrats or Democratic-leaning voters aren’t on board with a Newsom 2028 run. Add to that 7 in 10 California voters opposing another Kamala Harris presidential bid, and it’s clear the state’s Democratic base isn’t exactly chanting for its homegrown stars.
Newsom’s cultural outreach is notable, engaging conservatives on a new podcast to unpack the appeal of the “Make America Great Again” movement, especially among young men disillusioned with Democrats. It’s a rare attempt to cross the aisle, but will it resonate, or just alienate his base further?
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—California’s ongoing crises, like homelessness and housing costs driving folks out of state. Newsom’s national ambitions might thrill the coastal elite, but for many voters, fixing what’s broken at home should come first. Prop 50 might be a win on paper, but it’s also a gamble that paints Newsom as more focused on outmaneuvering Trump than addressing kitchen-table issues. With 45% of California voters backing a presidential run, he’s got a base, but the road to 2028 is long and paved with skepticism.
Ultimately, Newsom’s latest victory with Prop 50 boosts his profile as a Trump adversary, but it’s a double-edged sword. Conservatives might see this as another overreach by a progressive agenda, while even moderates question if he’s the fighter Democrats need or just another politician playing the long game. Time—and the 2026 midterms—will tell if this bear’s roar has staying power.