Gavin Newsom's Podcast Faces Backlash Over Right-Wing Guests

The California governor's podcast, featuring figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, has drawn criticism and appears to be damaging his public image.

A Capitol Weekly poll found that 26% of California voters viewed Gavin Newsom more negatively after hearing clips from his new podcast, while only 13% viewed him more positively.
Newsom's podcast, 'This Is Gavin Newsom,' features conversations with far-right figures, including Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, sparking concerns among Democrats about his political strategy.
Key clips from the podcast, including discussions on pronouns, the term 'Latinx,' and transgender women in sports, received predominantly negative reactions from survey respondents.
Newsom's favorability rating has dropped from 52% in February to 47% in the latest poll, leaving him with a net favorability score of minus 6 points.
Critics from both the left and right question Newsom's motives, with some seeing it as a move to appeal to a national audience ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.