Local Democrats in red southern states are not as thrilled about Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) tour as he is. His vocal attempts to overhaul Republican states and turn them blue seem to be missing the mark for residents, who are hopeful about a surge in Democratic control but are realistic about their obstacles.
Newsom recently finished up his spring tour of the South. He took on conservatives in southern states where his left-leaning policies are not typically welcome by GOP-dominated counties and cities. The goal, funded by a super PAC using $10 million of his leftover campaign money, appears to be helping Democrats win in red states and districts.
NEWSOM STARTING POLITICAL ORGANIZATION TO OPPOSE GOP LEADERS
"We're going to these states and investing in people and organizations where they're fighting back. We know we have a big battle coming, which is why we'll help lead the fight to make sure we elect leaders in 2024 who believe in democracy," Newsom said when announcing the Campaign for Democracy.
However, his approach to "investing in people" may not be something Democrats in a red state are willing to adopt. His political power has only ever been tested in friendly blue territory like his home state, where the Democrats hold a trifecta. Not all states, particularly in the South, can say the same.
While local Democrats may be interested in capturing some sway, they are not keen on focusing on the hot-button topics Newsom relentlessly advocates, such as gun control and abortion — especially in deep red states where the Republicans hold a significantly different viewpoint.
Newsom has set his sights on criticizing the policies of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who has recently made sweeping changes in everything from gun control to education.
Democratic State Party Chair Nikki Fried told reporters that while the party welcomes Newsom's resources from the PAC "to highlight the failures of Ron DeSantis,” there are limits — attempts to compare California to Florida would "not be helpful" for Democrats living in the Sunshine State.
“Florida is very different from California," Fried said.
Newsom is betting on the idea that his campaign strategy — he defends democracy and has enacted some of the most progressive policies regarding the environment and gun violence — will resonate with people in deep red states.
However, local Democrats believe they, and Newsom, need to be practical about what they can and cannot accomplish in the months ahead of the 2024 election. In Texas, where Republicans hold a trifecta, Democrats need to focus on individual races and policy changes, rather than broad sweeping attempts to turn the state blue.
"They will do much better if they will strategically fund operations in Texas that are overtly political and engaged in actually winning races,” Lone Star Project Director Matt Angle told Politico. The project is a Texas committee devoted to defeating Republicans.
Angle said Newsom's usual preaching that connects deeply with progressive supporters may not be the proper messaging for Democrats in Republican-dominated states.
Democrats, particularly in Texas, need to show “the contrast between responsible mainstream Democrats and irresponsible, extreme Republicans,” Angle said.
“The resources are needed, and there is some smart money that gets spent in Texas from outside,” Angle added. “But Texans, even Democrats, resent people coming in and acting like they’re bringing fire to cavemen.”
Another problem Newsom faces is his ability to back up his rhetoric with a political safeguard. As a Democratic governor in a very blue state, Newsom is secure and does not need to think hard about moderating his attacks against Republicans. In some states, such as Arkansas, Democratic politicians need to be very careful about what they say and how they say it.
Democrat Chris Jones, who challenged and lost to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AL), is one of Newsom's super PAC beneficiaries. He received $100,000 for his campaign in 2022, and Newsom visited him this past week.
He said that Newsom's tour shows an emerging trend among Democrats — they need to branch out of their blue states.
"We’re in a moment now where national Democrats are saying, ‘Wait a minute, we have to look beyond the coasts and lean into the entire country,’” Jones said to Politico.
Jones disagreed with Newsom's strong anti-Republican rhetoric.
"Personally, I wouldn’t have said the things he has said and the way he has said it,” Jones said.
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On the other hand, Alabama Democrats appear to be accepting of Newsom's tactics. Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said the state Republicans are "still fighting the Civil War," and he welcomes the California governor's attention — the state's strides to ban critical race theory and ease restrictions on gun ownership means there is no time like the present to start fighting back.
“Whatever message he has, it can’t hurt Alabama,” Kelley said. “It can only help.”