(Patriot.Buzz) – Highlighting a sharp loss of support for his leftwing agenda, Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval ratings have experienced a downturn, according to a recent survey by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies, revealing an 11-point drop since February.
This decline coincides with rumors that Newsom might pursue a presidential bid in the future. The poll, backed by The Los Angeles Times, shows that his approval as the governor of California has dwindled to 44% from a previous 55%.
Lauded for his governance and eloquence by liberal media figures like MSNBC’s Mehdi Hassan and The Hill’s Derek Hunter, Newsom faces speculation about his aspirations for the Democratic presidential nomination in either 2024 or 2028. According to Mark DiCamillo, the poll’s director, Newsom is increasingly perceived not just as California’s governor but as a national Democratic figure, which may influence public opinion.
Newsom’s disapproval rating has climbed ten percentage points since February, now sitting at 49%, marking a rare occasion where disapproval has surpassed approval during his governorship. The only other instance was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when a recall attempt was made against him, although it did not succeed in ousting him from office.
Newsom has also committed to a debate with Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on November 30 in Georgia, with Fox News host Sean Hannity moderating. Biden’s campaign enlisted Newsom as a rapid response spokesperson for the second Republican presidential primary debate, amplifying his national profile.
The poll indicates that Newsom’s declining approval is not limited to a specific demographic; it spans all groups, including registered Democrats, with whom his popularity has plummeted by 16 points since February. His standing is particularly precarious among independent voters, with just 37% approving his work, down 12 points.
However, when focusing on likely voters, Newsom’s approval slightly improved to 48%. The poll also notes that Proposition 1, an initiative backed by Newsom to finance mental health treatment through bonds, garners 60% voter approval.
Conducted in late October, the poll surveyed 6,342 registered California voters and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. As of this writing, Newsom’s office has not responded to the poll results.
