California has been a Democratic stronghold for as long as many of us can remember. Certainly, in recent years California voters have overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates. However, current polls show that California Democrats are quickly losing the support of their constituents.
Three progressive members of the San Francisco school board were recalled last month by over 70% of the vote. Los Angeles County’s progressive District Attorney, George Gascon, has lost the support of 98% of his prosecutors’ union members.
Governor Gavin Newsom is also losing the support of California voters. A poll from UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows Governor Newsom’s approval ratings slipping. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are slowly fading away, and voters are now focused on other serious issues in California. Of the 10 issues presented to voters, who were asked how well Newsom has handled them, he scored terribly on almost all of them. Respondents were 2.5 times more likely to disapprove of the governor’s handling of crime in the state than to approve. On homelessness, his disapproval rate was six times his approval rate. When asked about education, the state budget, drought, wildfires, and health care, “unfavorable” responses outnumbered “favorable” by over 10 points. Newsom’s only favorable score was regarding climate change, and that was by a single point.
Governor Newsom’s overall job approval rating has declined to 48%. Newsom only had 50% approval in September 2021, but prevailed in the recall election that month with 62% of the vote.
Many California voters don’t approve of the Newsom administration’s handling of major issues. The problem is, many California voters also can’t see themselves ever voting for a candidate with an “R” next to their name. For major changes to come to California, it is going to take an extraordinary candidate that can push the envelope and win over California voters by showing dedication to fixing the issues that have long gripped the Golden State.
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