Californians and Their Governor: A Divided Verdict on Gavin Newsom

Approval Ratings Dip as National Aspirations and State Challenges Collide

Sacramento, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has long been a polarizing figure in California politics. From ambitious climate policies to high-profile national appearances, his leadership has sparked both praise and criticism. But as 2025 unfolds, his approval ratings have taken a hit, reflecting growing concerns about his priorities and effectiveness.

According to a UC Berkeley poll in late 2023, Newsom’s approval rating had fallen to 44%, an 11-point drop from earlier that year (CalMatters).

The reasons behind this shift? A mix of national ambitions, economic struggles, and recent environmental disasters.

                <h2>The Rise and Fall of Newsom’s Popularity

When Newsom first took office, he was seen as a progressive leader championing California’s environmental policies, economic expansion, and social justice initiatives. However, over time, key issues have tested his administration.

A mid-2023 Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll found that only 44% of likely voters approved of Newsom’s performance (KCRA). By late 2023, the trend continued downward, with growing frustration over his handling of homelessness, crime, and economic uncertainty.

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1. Is Newsom More Focused on National Politics?

One of the most common criticisms is that Newsom is spending too much time on the national stage rather than focusing on California.

Over the past year, Newsom has traveled extensively, engaging in high-profile debates with Republican figures like Ron DeSantis, sparking speculation about a future presidential run (Politico).

While Newsom insists his out-of-state efforts help California, many residents believe he is preparing for a White House bid instead of tackling urgent state problems.

2. California’s Wildfire Crisis Sparks Criticism

Another major point of contention is Newsom’s handling of wildfires, particularly after the devastating Los Angeles fires in early 2025.

Many residents and experts argue that state resources were not allocated efficiently, leaving communities vulnerable. The disaster led to increased frustration about the state’s emergency preparedness (The New Yorker).

In a New York Post opinion piece, critics claimed that California’s Democratic leadership had failed in wildfire prevention, leading to unnecessary destruction and loss of homes (New York Post).

3. Economic Concerns and the Cost of Living Crisis

While California remains one of the world’s largest economies, residents continue to struggle with high living costs, housing shortages, and rising crime rates.

A 2023 study showed that California has the highest poverty rate in the U.S. when factoring in cost of living, which has been a major point of contention for Newsom’s critics.

Many Californians feel that state policies, including tax increases and strict business regulations, have hurt economic growth, leading to a wave of corporate departures and population decline.

Supporters Praise Newsom’s Climate Leadership

Despite the criticisms, Newsom still maintains strong support among progressive voters, particularly for his environmental and climate policies.

In July 2023, California committed over $52 billion toward combating climate change, a move that received widespread approval from activists and environmental groups (Gov. CA).

“I support Newsom because he’s actually doing something about climate change,” said Lisa Morales, an environmental advocate from San Francisco. “People want him to focus on homelessness and crime, but without a planet, none of that matters.”

However, critics argue that these policies have come at a high cost, forcing businesses to relocate and increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.

What’s Next for Newsom?

With California’s gubernatorial election looming in 2026, Newsom faces a critical challenge. While he remains a favorite within the Democratic Party, his slipping approval ratings could open the door for a strong Republican or moderate Democratic challenger.

Meanwhile, questions about a potential presidential run remain. Some believe Newsom is positioning himself as a Plan B for the Democratic Party in case President Biden does not seek re-election.

For now, Californians remain divided: Some see him as a bold leader shaping the future, while others view him as a disconnected politician eyeing higher office at the expense of his own state.