Newsom and Harris Unite in LA as California Gubernatorial Race Focuses on Affordability
Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared together in Los Angeles to support Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra ahead of Tuesday's election. While the event highlighted their friendship, it offered little clarity on their potential 2028 presidential rivalry. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race has intensified around affordability, with Becerra blaming federal policies for rising costs and Republican opponent Steve Hilton proposing significant tax cuts.
Key points
- Newsom and Harris spoke at the Hollywood Palladium, marking their first public appearance together in a year.
- The event supported Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate for California governor.
- Becerra and Republican candidate Steve Hilton presented contrasting economic platforms during final campaign stops.
- Becerra blamed federal tariffs and the Iran conflict for high gas and grocery prices.
- Hilton proposed eliminating state income tax on the first $150,000 of earnings, a move estimated to cost $25 billion.
Background
Newsom and Harris have been viewed as potential rivals for the 2028 presidential nomination, despite their long-standing friendship in San Francisco politics. Their recent public coordination suggests a strategic effort to avoid direct conflict before the 2026 midterm elections. The current gubernatorial race is part of a broader California political landscape where Democrats are focused on retaining state control amid national economic pressures.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Times emphasized the symbolic nature of the Newsom-Harris appearance, noting the lack of concrete signals regarding their future presidential ambitions. In contrast, 10News.com and Yahoo focused on the immediate electoral dynamics, highlighting the affordability debate. 10News.com detailed the specific policy disagreements, noting Becerra’s focus on healthcare efficiency and federal blame versus Hilton’s tax-cut proposal. Yahoo provided a granular view of local turnout efforts in San Diego County, emphasizing the involvement of state senators and union leaders in mobilizing voters for down-ballot races alongside the gubernatorial contest.
Why it matters
The coordination between Newsom and Harris signals a potential shift in Democratic strategy, prioritizing state-level unity over national rivalry in the short term. The gubernatorial race outcome will determine California's approach to economic policy, with the affordability debate likely influencing future state budgets and tax structures. The tight race underscores the importance of voter turnout in swing districts, as highlighted by the San Diego County rallies.
What to watch
Voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, with results expected to determine the next California governor and key state senate seats. The outcome will influence the political trajectory of Newsom and Harris as they evaluate their 2028 presidential prospects. Additionally, the implementation of either Becerra’s or Hilton’s economic proposals will depend on the legislative balance established by the election results.
- Newsom and Harris Appear Together, With Little Hint of What’s to Come The New York Times
- Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, weighing 2028 runs, rally together in California The Washington Post
- Xavier Becerra joins San Diego County Democrats for get-out-the-vote rally in Oceanside Yahoo
- Becerra makes final pitch to Oceanside voters on Sunday before Election Day 10News.com
- Xavier Becerra faces questions on prescription drug costs as Election Day nears Yahoo
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The New York Times