California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sharpened his political profile by directly confronting President Trump’s policies on immigration, military use and redistricting while amplifying his combative presence on social media.

His approach, which mirrors Trump’s tone, has boosted his national following and positioned him as a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Experts say Newsom’s rise reflects Democratic voters’ desire for a forceful figure who can both challenge Trump and capture media attention.

These confrontations allow new voices to come forward with novel solutions, says Shana Gadarian, Merle Goldberg Fabian Professor of Excellence in Citizenship and Critical Thinking. And governors are in position to gain national followings in a way that members of Congress might not.

“They have their own constituencies that they are there to represent, but also they have the ability to capture media attention and be very clear and forceful, because they don’t have to deal with Trump in the Washington policymaking arena,” says Gadarian.

Read more in the Christian Science Monitor article, “Newsom takes on Trump, rising in Democratic eyes – at least for now.”