California Gov. Gavin Newsom is apparently no longer satisfied subjecting residents of his own state to the leftist policies that critics say have contributed to a spike in homelessness and crime.
The high-profile Democrat, who has long been the subject of speculation that he is planning a White House bid, is now pursuing a political action committee designed to attack conservative lawmakers and officials in Republican-led states.
According to reports, Campaign for Democracy is being launched with roughly $10 million in campaign coffers aligned with his 2021 effort to fend off a recall election.
Two frequent targets of his interstate tirades — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — are prominently featured in his announcement video.
NEW: I'm launching a new organization, Campaign for Democracy.
America is in an existential struggle for democracy.
Extremist Republicans are systematically attacking the very foundations of our free society — denying women equality, attacking https://t.co/dhkSqoB0db… pic.twitter.com/cvdJu9mNro
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 30, 2023
As part of his bid to bring attention to his new PAC, the California governor is plotting a tour of several states, including some of the nation’s most conservative enclaves.
Along with scheduled appearances on the home turf of both Abbott and DeSantis, the so-called “listening tour” is also set to include stops in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota.
Newsom’s cross-country tour was announced as a number of likely 2024 GOP presidential candidates are embarking on visits to other states to increase their national prominence, which has sparked renewed rumors that he might be thinking about announcing his own campaign.
As of this writing, President Joe Biden has not officially announced whether he will be seeking another term in office, but Newsom said in November that he had ruled out a 2024 bid even if the president does not run again.
At least publicly, the governor has expressed optimism that Biden would once again emerge victorious in a rematch of the 2020 race.
“He not only beat Trump once, I think he can beat him again,” Newsom said. “I hope he runs, I’ll enthusiastically support him.”
According to the results of a Quinnipiac University poll released last month, roughly 70% of Californians — including a majority of Democrats — said that they do not believe their governor should throw his hat in the ring next year.
