Many believe that California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is working overtime to set himself up for a 2028 presidential run, or at least be the face of the failing Democratic Party.

According to the Washington Examiner, many of Newsom's Democratic colleagues are rejecting the idea of the apparent rebranding attempt, as Newsom attempts to distance himself from the failures of the party. 

The governor, who will lean toward whatever ideology is needed to score a possible political victory, launched a podcast after the November election in an attempt to appeal to more right-wing voters.

So far, his efforts have failed, miserably, and now he's getting pushback from his own party.

What's happening?

Some Democratic operatives are furious with Newsom for distancing himself from the party. Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and California state Rep. Sam Liccardo are especially angry.

Khanna took her frustrations out in an X post, slamming Newsom for going against the party at a time when everyone else is bashing the party over its 2024 losses.

"With respect, [Gavin Newsom], the Democratic party is not 'toxic.' This is not the time to join the chorus in bashing our party. The rage should be about what Trump is doing TODAY. Let's share what our party has done & offer a forward vision for the future," Khanna wrote.

With respect, @GavinNewsom the Democratic party is not "toxic." This is not the time to join the chorus in bashing our party. The rage should be about what Trump is doing TODAY. Let's share what our party has done & offer a forward vision for the future. https://t.co/lQzFfYXAsr https://t.co/nu83DXP3Vs

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) March 29, 2025

The Examiner added:

Liccardo similarly slammed Newsom, saying that the governor’s “calling the Democratic brand 'toxic' resembles the defendant who pleads for a judge's mercy as an 'orphan' after killing his parents."

Liccardo added, "I should know: [Gavin Newsom]⁩ & CA Dem Party endorsed my opponent last year...and I won by double digits."

Social media reacts

Users across social media reacted to the pushback against Newsom from his own Democrats.

"Absolutely it is toxic, sooner you figure that out the better," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "No, Ro, it’s toxic. A toxic pool of subservience to an elite donor class all in the name of raising funds for reelection. There’s a reason campaign finance reform bills don’t get traction on either side."

It'll be interesting to see how far Newsom gets with Democrats as he tries to win over blue-collar, working-class American voters.