Gavin Newsom’s Unlikely Legacy: A Shift in California’s Political Landscape

Across the United States, sharing my Californian roots often prompts varied reactions. Some individuals urge, “You need to get out of there — move somewhere less crazy.” Others express disbelief, asking, “Why do they keep voting for that person?” Yet, an emerging political shift hints at a promising change in the Golden State.

Addressing the first reaction, my response usually revolves around a sense of belonging: “Why should we leave? This is my home! I’m raising my family here and have established a business in California. While our government is struggling, I deeply love this state. Those who need to depart are the policymakers who have led us here — specifically, the Democrat politicians who should leave office.”

Now, to the second question regarding persistent voting patterns, I’ve noticed a change: “Actually, people are starting to vote differently.” This sentiment reflects a broadening recognition among residents that their votes carry weight and will shape the future of California.

Signs of Change in Huntington Beach

A prime example of this evolving mindset can be seen in Huntington Beach, located in Orange County and affectionately known as “Surf City USA.”

In 2022, after years dominated by Democrat leadership, California Republican Tony Strickland led a charge that resulted in four energetic candidates successfully challenging that dominance. By securing a 4-3 victory in the midterm elections, these candidates began implementing conservatively pragmatic policies focused on issues like crime, homelessness, and educational curriculum. They also introduced a local ballot initiative concerning voter ID.

The results were impressive. The “MAGAnificent Seven” — their self-given nickname — achieved a complete sweep of all seats during last November’s elections, transforming Huntington Beach from a 6-1 Democrat majority to a 7-0 Republican stronghold.

A Broader Political Revolution

This shift hints at a significant political transformation unfolding across California. In 2024, data revealed that nearly one-fifth of California’s counties shifted from blue to red, with Fresno, the state’s fifth largest city, among them.

Moreover, Proposition 36, which aimed to reverse some of the most detrimental aspects of former Vice President and California Attorney General Kamala Harris’s notorious Prop 47, gained over 70% support. This initiative represented a crucial step away from policies perceived as pro-crime. Further, high-profile district attorneys like George Gascon in Los Angeles faced voter backlash and were ousted from their positions.

In an encouraging trend, attempts to raise the minimum wage, impose rent control, and increase taxes failed. Additionally, in the realm of presidential politics, Donald Trump recorded one of the best performances by a Republican candidate in California in decades.

Declining Democrat Influence

To add to this narrative, the trends in voter registration further illustrate the shift. Republican registrations have been increasing, while Democratic registrations have declined. This trend has been accelerating even before the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires, which brought the consequences of what many see as Democrat Extremism and Incompetence into stark relief.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s tenure has deeply shaped these developments. He has presided over years marked by increasingly radical policies, leading California to experience its highest poverty rate in the nation and grappling with soaring costs for housing, gas, and utilities. The state also suffers from elevated unemployment and dismal income growth, with many families feeling disconnected from the once-promised California Dream.

Avenues for Reform

As the situation unfolds, public schools continue to struggle, homelessness remains an escalating crisis, and severe shortages plague essential services, including water supply. Under Newsom’s leadership, California has devolved from a shining example of opportunity into what some argue is the worst-run state in the nation. A fair assessment reveals pervasive discontent among the populace.

This predicament is distinctly outlined in my latest book,