California Gov. Gavin Newsom Is a Defender of Liberal Values and Enjoys Jousting With Republicans

Gavin Newsom first came to national prominence over two decades ago as San Francisco mayor who first issued same-sex marriage licenses before anyone else. Since then he has established himself as a staunch defender of liberal values who enjoys engaging with Republicans on issues they care deeply about.

Today, he’s making climate action an issue at a national level and selling it well beyond his deep blue state – yet some environmentalists remain wary.

Health Care

CARLSBAD — For those on the left side of politics, few issues resonate more strongly than a single-payer health care system that would dismantle private insurers and make government the sole provider of medical services. That’s why California Governor Gavin Newsom made such an impressive commitment during his gubernatorial campaign in 2018 — something many saw as revolutionary.

Gavin Newsom has already taken steps toward his goal by expanding state Medi-Cal coverage to all residents, including undocumented immigrants, and reinstating a federal fine for people without insurance that Republicans eliminated in 2019. But Newsom’s recent attempt to seize extra funds set aside for Medi-Cal has angered groups like Planned Parenthood and California Medical Association who supported his campaign while creating momentum for an initiative restricting future governors from making similar maneuvers.

Housing

Gavin Newsom has always stated his disinterest in running for president; however, current politics are helping elevate his national profile. He’s making appearances all across the country as a surrogate for Vice President Joe Biden while simultaneously pushing his own policies. Newsom first gained national notoriety when city officials issued same-sex marriage licenses defying California law; later as Mayor of San Francisco he pursued traditionally liberal policies including universal health care coverage as well as supporting an end to toxic lead hunting ammunition use and trade as well as opposing trade in shark fins, elephant tusks, rhinoceros horns – garnering national and international attention in equal measures.

As governor, he has sought to broaden his appeal, advocating for federal gun control and abortion reform as well as leading the effort to legalize marijuana. Unfortunately, however, his record on housing has been less impressive; cities have permitted only a fraction of the 3.5 million homes promised him so far.

Education

Gavin Newsom hails from the Bay Area and attended Santa Clara University before starting a business and public affairs career that included serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as a supervisor and running his own firm.

As the youngest-ever elected mayor of San Francisco, Newsom took on progressive challenges with gusto. He advocated for health care reform while pushing one of the first menu-labeling laws nationwide in order to facilitate healthier eating choices among his constituents.

Gavin Newsom used the drought as an opportunity to reinvigorate California’s efforts on water conservation and sustainability, as well as launch an effort to address California’s affordable housing crisis.

Gavin Newsom has long established himself as an impressive figure on the national stage, acting as surrogate and fundraiser for major Democratic candidates while pushing social change policies like abortion rights and gun control legislation.

Jobs

Gavin Newsom is dedicated to ensuring Californians have access to good jobs, hard work and security in the form of affordable housing solutions. He will invest in job training and education programs, expand family/sick leave policies as well as creating affordable housing units.

As Governor, Gavin Newsom will stand up for his state’s values – from universal health care and ending homelessness, to combating climate change. He will support military members and veterans, protect Dreamers, and advocate for transgender National Guard members’ safety.

Newsom is known for his bold leadership, having long supported same-sex marriage before any other politician and championing marijuana legalization and high-speed rail. His ideas about creating a “post-politics” government are causing waves in Washington. Furthermore, his book Citizenville has garnered national acclaim.

Veterans

Gavin Newsom’s fondness for photo ops and his pursuit of network news spots had led many observers to speculate about his presidential aspirations; but this year he is focused on running California effectively.

As governor, Gavin will make affordability and inclusive economic growth his top priorities. He will fight tirelessly for California values like civil rights, climate protection, immigration reform, and access to quality schools at every level.

He will also back state litigation against the Trump Administration’s transgender military ban and invest in CalVet Homes so homeless veterans receive necessary services. In addition, he will fight on behalf of women, low-income workers and communities of color.

As an advocate of animal welfare, he has worked to support the phase-out of toxic lead hunting ammunition and ban on using dogs to hunt mountain lions and bears; ban on cruel bullhooks used on elephants in entertainment; as well as to ban trade of shark fins, rhinoceros horns, ivory; as well as work to end extreme confinement of egg-laying hens and veal calves.

LGBT

Gavin Newsom made headlines nationally during his first term as Mayor of San Francisco when he ignored federal law and issued marriage licenses for same-sex couples, breaking with tradition but becoming one of its hallmarks and sparking national debate over same-sex marriage. Since then, his second-term administration has focused on progressive causes like climate change, homelessness, and health care reform.

Questions have arisen as to whether Governor Walker is positioning himself for a presidential run, despite vehemently disclaiming any such ambitions. While denying such ambitions, Walker has taken steps to increase his national profile through initiatives such as his “red state tour” where he promoted Democrats in conservative communities and scheduled an debate against one of their counterparts on Fox News later this month.

Although Newsom’s support for LGBTQ people is encouraging, his legislative gifts and withdrawals represent only partial support – far too little in this fight against discrimination and intolerance. We cannot win this battle by taking half measures.