Newsom’s political future 'practically nonexistent' as LA devolves into riots, social media critics predict

Fox News ^ | 6/09/25 | Emma Colton

[Libloather]

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's floated potential run for the White House in 2028 was likely thwarted by his handling of the anti-ICE riots gripping Los Angeles, conservative social media critics predict.

Newsom has been floated as a likely 2028 Democratic contender for the White House as he wraps up his second term as governor in 2026. Riots plaguing the city in response to the Trump administration's efforts to remove illegal immigrants residing in Los Angeles, which come on the heels of massive wildfires that rocked southern California this winter, have left Newsom on precarious political ground, according to conservatives who are balking at his response to the LA chaos.

"Gavin Newsom’s odds of clinching the 2028 presidential race are practically nonexistent," X user Angela Belcamino posted Monday. "Across the country, Americans are eyeing California’s struggles under his watch, convinced he’d unleash the same chaos nationwide if he ever won the White House."

"Gavin Newsom’s handling of the LA riots should be considered an in-kind contribution to the @JDVance 2028 presidential campaign. Newsom is providing a lot of ad material for free," one social media account posted on Sunday.

"Notice how Newsom has no adverse commentary about the rioters – he saves all his venom for American authorities," author and retired Army Col. James Hutton posted to X Sunday. "This is why he has no chance to be president one day. Most Americans tend to believe in this country."

Many critics of the riots unfolding in Los Angeles argued that photos of the scene would live in infamy and dash any hopes Newsom may hold on running for president. Some users remarked that the photos depicting rioters surrounded by flames and smoke while waving a Mexican flag "will cost Newsom his 2028 presidential run," and that the Trump administration...

[rdcbn1]

This could have been Gavin Newsome’s Sister Souljah moment to take a stand against the rioting in LA to signal to centrist voters that he is a serious presidential. candidate who can stand up to the extremists in his party.

That ship has sailed and Newsome's political career is DOA.

[Liz]

amen

[rdcbn1]

The riots in LA should have been the launching of Newsome’s 2028 Presidential Campaign.

It was served up to him on a silver platter.

All Newsome had to do was take decisive action against a tiny number of rioters rioting in very small section of LA.

The fire and all his other silliness would have been forgotten and he would have become a serious national candidate.

He blew it.

[Flatus I. Maximus]

Why do people keep saying this about Governor Newsom? Five years ago the whole world watched Minneapolis burn and yet last year Governor Walz got way too damned close to being one heartbeat away from the presidency. Ambitious commies NEVER give up. They just keep trying and count on the electorate to have no memory.

[Liz]

goes to show what a screwball he is.

[wafflehouse]

Newsome is the turd the keeps floating to the top every time you flush

[rdcbn1]

In the Democrat Party, it seems like the absolute worst people always manage to rise to the top,

[MinorityRepublican]

Never underestimate how ignorant and forgetful a lot of American voters are.

Correct. Plus the last time that the DNC held a primary was in 2008 when Obama beat Hillary.

So if they want Newsom, it's done deal.

[MinorityRepublican]

All Newsome had to do was take decisive action against a tiny number of rioters rioting in very small section of LA.

Can't do that. It would be seen as an action supporting President Trump.

Newsom has to appease his far-left base.

[DownInFlames]

The voters may have short memories, but the internet remembers forever.