The 2024 election results highlight a growing 'brand' problem for California Democrats. Voters are dissatisfied with current leadership, shown by declining margins of victory and support for tough-on-crime measures. The upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race will be crucial in determining the party's future in the state.
A key takeaway from the 2024 election is that, at both the national and state level, Democrats have a “brand” problem. Even in deep-blue California, Vice President Kamala Harris’ 20-point margin of victory was a 10-point decline from President Biden’s victory four years ago.
Additionally, voters in the state rejected left-wing Mayors and District Attorneys in Oakland and Los Angeles, as well as backed a tough-on-crime ballot measure – Prop 36 – repealing 2014’s Prop 47, which had loosened criminal penalties for various offenses. Quite simply, there are clear signs that Californians are unsatisfied with current Democratic leadership. Current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s favorability rating is deeply underwater, less than 3-in-10 (27%) voters view him favorably versus one-half (49%) who have an unfavorable view, per aggregate polling compiled by The Hill. Similarly, a majority (56%) of Californians think the state is heading in the wrong direction, according to Public Policy Institute of California polling. Taken together, Democrats’ policies of increasing taxes, irresponsible fiscal management leading to a $55 billion budget deficit, expanding the size of government, and burdening the state with climate-change mandates and regulations has left the party increasingly vulnerable. With that in mind, California’s 2026 gubernatorial election will be significant for what it reveals about both the enduring weakness of Democrats’ brand, and whether the party can start to rebuild it in this Democratic-heavy state. Despite the contest to replace Newsom being nearly two years away, nearly 10 candidates have already declared their candidacy. The crowded field includes: Toni Atkins, former President pro tempore of the State Senate, Stephen Cloobeck, a business executive, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee, and Michael Younger
California Politics Democratic Party 2026 Election Gavin Newsom Brand Problem
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
With 2024 election done, Democrats focus on this Southern California House seat for 2026Democrats are set to control five of six House races in Orange County. They’re already strategizing to take the other.
Read more »
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Read more »
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Read more »
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Read more »
Democrats Eye 2026 House Takeover After Narrow 2024 GainsRep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is focusing on building on the party's 2024 successes to regain the House majority in 2026. Despite Republican control of Congress and the White House, Democrats made strategic gains and see a path to victory in the next midterm election.
Read more »
House Democrats Eye 2026 Midterm VictoryRep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, highlights the party's successes in the 2024 elections and outlines plans to win back the House majority in 2026.
Read more »