Newsom’s globe-trotting ‘shadow campaign’ faces ridicule

WaEx: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has chased headlines from Sarasota to Beijing this year, but the California Democrat’s international tour has raised questions about ulterior motives.

As Newsom fashions himself as a democracy warrior willing to take on GOP politicians on abortion rights and gun control, he’s been hit with accusations of running a “shadow campaign” for president despite his status as a member of President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign national advisory board. And while Newsom has consistently dismissed speculation of a primary challenge to the president and has additionally reiterated his support for Biden, his recent moves have left some skeptical.

“Newsom isn’t a 2024 presidential candidate; he just plays one on TV, and it’s a show we’ve all streamed before,” said Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff, noting the California Democrat’s nation- and globe-trotting.

His national footprint has become so large that speculation over a potential 2024 bid has failed to be quelled by Newsom’s various denials. Rumors of his presidential ambitions were especially pervasive before Biden announced his intention to seek reelection in April. “No, no, not at all,” the California governor said in September 2022 when questioned on a potential presidential campaign. “I’ve said it in French, Italian — I don’t know German — I can’t say it enough.”

But his actions have seemed to paint a different picture, as Democratic strategists and voters alike appear unconvinced by his words. more