Newsom's Responses to California's Challenges and Political Attacks

California Governor Gavin Newsom defended his state's declining population and budget deficit, stating that California's economy has outperformed the nation and is on its way to becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world. He attributed the population slump to reduced births, immigration, an increase in deaths, and people moving to other states. Newsom also addressed the state's high cost of living and taxes, stating that middle-class families pay less than the majority of states in America. He urged Americans to remain open about California's opportunities and not to count the state out.