SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking his fight against President Donald Trump beyond state borders, most recently traveling to Texas and Brazil.
Fresh off a major victory on Proposition 50, the California ballot measure that became a rallying cry for Democrats, Newsom traveled to Texas over the weekend to energize party members and reinforce a familiar message: taking the fight to Trump.
“Right now, we gotta hold the line because I think America will become unrecognizable in a year or two unless we fight back,” Newsom said during remarks at the COP 30 Climate Summit in Brazil, where he criticized the Trump administration for skipping the global gathering.
“What the hell is going on in my country? Not one person from the administration would show any respect to any of you — forget politics — the disrespect, one of our trading partners,” he said.
Political analysts said the governor’s latest moves are part of a broader strategy to position himself as a national leader and a possible presidential contender.
“Gavin Newsom has wanted to be president for decades, not just a few years,” said Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio. “He’s really kick-started that campaign with Prop. 50. Democrats are very hungry for leadership.”
Maviglio said Newsom’s Proposition 50 win helped transform a state-level redistricting measure into a national statement against Trump.
“It really wasn’t about redistricting,” he noted. “It became nationalized as an anti-Trump issue, and I think he’s carrying that momentum forward.”
From Texas to Brazil, Newsom is leaning into issues that resonate with Democratic voters — especially climate change.
San Francisco State University political science professor Jason McDaniel said the governor’s appearance at the climate summit was no coincidence.
“I think that is exactly why he is in Brazil,” McDaniel said. “He’s trying to show that even though the country is not doing as well on climate issues under Trump as perhaps a lot of Democratic voters and countries around the world might like, he’s saying California can be an example for that going forward.”
McDaniel added that Newsom’s message isn’t just about policy, it’s also political positioning.
“I think it’s clear he’s running for 2028 right now and is seen by many as a frontrunner for the nomination,” he adds. “Running against the Trump Republican Party is going to be what Democratic voters will want — someone who will stand up to the MAGA movement.”
Still, McDaniel said Newsom faces vulnerabilities within his own party.
“He’s not trusted by some on the progressive side,” he explained. “He’s not a woman or a person of color, and many Democrats care deeply about having their nominee reflect the diversity of the party.”
“California itself can also be a liability. It’s seen as too liberal and too expensive, so he’ll have to show leadership on affordability and economic issues,” he said.
Republican strategist Tim Rosales agreed that Newsom’s moves are deliberate.
“It’s something he’s been setting up his entire political career,” Rosales said. “He’s been building a national fundraising base and using issues like gun control, same-sex marriage, and now Prop. 50 to enhance his reach.”
Rosales also pointed to the unusual dynamic between Newsom and Trump, calling them each other’s best “frenemies.”
“The governor gets to come at and attack President Trump, and Trump gets to punch back… they both elevate each other’s stature in that way,” he said.
Despite his rising national profile, strategists said the road ahead won’t be easy.
Maviglio warns that while Newsom’s approach excites Democrats now, his record in California could haunt him later.
“For most Americans, California is seen as too far left,” he said. “It’s expensive, hard to buy a house, and full of liberal policies that don’t attract the centrist voters Democrats need to win a general election.”
Still, both parties agree on one thing — Newsom isn’t backing down.
“Democrats want someone who will take the fight to Donald Trump,” McDaniel said. “And right now, Gavin Newsom is showing he’s more than willing to do that.”