Why Gavin Newsom No Longer Holds Star Surrogate Status Under Kamala Harris
Over a month following the shakeup, the specific role Harris will have for Newsom, who is both a longtime ally and occasional rival from California, remains uncertain.
TroibNews 
SAN FRANCISCO — Gavin Newsom, once a prominent figure on the campaign trail for President Joe Biden, has taken a notable step back since Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee. Previously a ubiquitous presence, the Governor of California has now become less visible in other states and at major campaign events.
After campaigning extensively for Biden, including during the critical last weeks before the election, Newsom has limited his travel and appearances since Harris, also from California, assumed the top spot on the ticket. This change was evident at the recent Democratic National Convention, where Newsom chose not to partake in the usual engagements like state breakfasts and reporter briefings, focusing instead on media appearances.
The adjustment in Newsom's campaign activities has sparked speculation in Sacramento about his ongoing role as a national supporter and how Harris' candidacy might influence his potential presidential aspirations.
According to Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom, the governor remains fully committed to supporting Harris, emphasizing that his presidential ambitions are not influencing his campaign efforts. “He is totally focused the next 70 odd days on electing VP Harris, defeating Trump once and for all, and going to the mat for her campaign,” Click stated. He also mentioned that Newsom is scheduled to lead a fundraising event for Harris in San Mateo County, with additional campaign collaborations planned for September.
The contrast between Biden's and Harris' campaign needs may also explain why Newsom's role has diminished. Biden benefited from Newsom's youthful energy to engage the liberal base, a dynamic that included strategic appearances such as a debate on Fox News. Harris, however, commands strong national appeal and momentum within the party, focusing more on securing support in swing states critical to challenging former President Donald Trump.
Political analyst Paul Mitchell observed, “He was a uniquely good surrogate for Biden. Kamala doesn’t need the energy delivery as much right now.”
With Harris as the nominee, the campaign strategy has shifted to include other politicians like Senators and Governors from key battleground states, for instance, Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Newsom himself hinted at a strategic shift in focus towards swing states. “At the end of the day it will be swing states that will be determinative, and if I can fill a void that others can’t, then I’ll be there,” he remarked during an interaction with the Los Angeles Times.
At the convention, Newsom's participation was limited to leading California's delegation in delivering final delegate votes for Harris, unlike other major state officials who had more prominent speaking roles.
Addressing both the campaign and his lighter presence, Newsom joked in a Pod Save America interview about the process of Harris' nomination but quickly moved to praise the unity within the party under her lead.
The former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, who has been influential in the careers of both Newsom and Harris, still urges vigorous support for Harris. The ultimate decision on Newsom's involvement, however, will rest with Harris and her campaign strategy, as Brown pointed out.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
After campaigning extensively for Biden, including during the critical last weeks before the election, Newsom has limited his travel and appearances since Harris, also from California, assumed the top spot on the ticket. This change was evident at the recent Democratic National Convention, where Newsom chose not to partake in the usual engagements like state breakfasts and reporter briefings, focusing instead on media appearances.
The adjustment in Newsom's campaign activities has sparked speculation in Sacramento about his ongoing role as a national supporter and how Harris' candidacy might influence his potential presidential aspirations.
According to Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom, the governor remains fully committed to supporting Harris, emphasizing that his presidential ambitions are not influencing his campaign efforts. “He is totally focused the next 70 odd days on electing VP Harris, defeating Trump once and for all, and going to the mat for her campaign,” Click stated. He also mentioned that Newsom is scheduled to lead a fundraising event for Harris in San Mateo County, with additional campaign collaborations planned for September.
The contrast between Biden's and Harris' campaign needs may also explain why Newsom's role has diminished. Biden benefited from Newsom's youthful energy to engage the liberal base, a dynamic that included strategic appearances such as a debate on Fox News. Harris, however, commands strong national appeal and momentum within the party, focusing more on securing support in swing states critical to challenging former President Donald Trump.
Political analyst Paul Mitchell observed, “He was a uniquely good surrogate for Biden. Kamala doesn’t need the energy delivery as much right now.”
With Harris as the nominee, the campaign strategy has shifted to include other politicians like Senators and Governors from key battleground states, for instance, Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Newsom himself hinted at a strategic shift in focus towards swing states. “At the end of the day it will be swing states that will be determinative, and if I can fill a void that others can’t, then I’ll be there,” he remarked during an interaction with the Los Angeles Times.
At the convention, Newsom's participation was limited to leading California's delegation in delivering final delegate votes for Harris, unlike other major state officials who had more prominent speaking roles.
Addressing both the campaign and his lighter presence, Newsom joked in a Pod Save America interview about the process of Harris' nomination but quickly moved to praise the unity within the party under her lead.
The former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, who has been influential in the careers of both Newsom and Harris, still urges vigorous support for Harris. The ultimate decision on Newsom's involvement, however, will rest with Harris and her campaign strategy, as Brown pointed out.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
