California Governor Gavin Newsom's prominence as a surrogate for the Democratic presidential campaign has notably decreased since Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee.
This shift marks a significant change from Newsom's previously active role in supporting President Joe Biden's candidacy, where he was frequently seen campaigning across the country.
According to Politico, the reasons behind Newsom's reduced visibility in the campaign remain unclear more than a month after Harris took the lead. The governor's limited involvement has sparked discussions among political insiders in Sacramento, who question his status as a national surrogate and speculate on how this might affect his own potential future presidential aspirations.
Newsom's reduced role in the campaign is particularly noticeable given his previous high-profile support for Biden. The governor had been actively campaigning in various states, especially during the final weeks of Biden's candidacy. However, since Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket, Newsom's out-of-state campaign activities have significantly decreased.
The governor's participation in the recent Democratic National Convention was also notably subdued. Instead of joining his colleagues at state breakfasts, fireside chats with reporters, or speaking on the main stage, Newsom opted to make appearances on cable TV and podcasts.
Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom's political operation, has dismissed any suggestions that the governor's own presidential ambitions might be influencing his level of involvement. Click emphasized that Newsom is fully committed to Harris's campaign and focused on defeating Trump.
The shift in Newsom's role may also reflect the different needs of Harris's campaign compared to Biden's. While Biden required youthful enthusiasm to bolster support among the party's liberal base, Harris can carry her own message nationally and has substantial intraparty momentum.
Harris's campaign has included more House members, senators, and battleground state leaders as surrogates. Governors such as Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky have taken on prominent roles in supporting Harris.
Newsom himself has acknowledged that Harris might not need a fellow Californian as much, suggesting that swing states will be more crucial in determining the election outcome.
The governor's reduced campaign involvement has fueled speculation about his relationship with Harris and his own political future. Both Newsom and Harris come from the same elite San Francisco political circles and have been both allies and rivals over the years.
Newsom's comments during a Pod Save America interview raised eyebrows when he appeared to joke about the process of Harris's selection as the nominee. However, he quickly pivoted to praise Harris and emphasize party unity.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who mentored both Newsom and Harris earlier in their careers, has encouraged Newsom to support Harris energetically. Brown noted that it's still too early to draw conclusions about Newsom's role in the final stretch of the campaign, emphasizing that such decisions ultimately rest with the nominee.
Gavin Newsom's diminished role in Kamala Harris's presidential campaign marks a significant shift from his previous high-profile involvement. The reasons behind this change remain unclear, sparking discussions about campaign strategy and potential future political implications. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Newsom's role might evolve and what impact this could have on the current campaign and future political landscapes.
