As the Democratic National Committee convened in Los Angeles, California’s influence on national politics was evident, yet the question remains whether the Democratic Party is ready to leverage the potential of the Golden State fully.
Key figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom were central to discussions at the event. Harris, having lost the 2024 presidential race to a weakened Donald Trump, and Newsom, a vocal critic of Trump, are both seen as strong contenders for the 2028 election.
California’s progressive stance on issues like government-sponsored healthcare, support for undocumented immigrants, and LGBTQ+ rights continues to polarize the national electorate. These policies provide hope to progressives while offering Republicans fodder for criticism.
Veteran Democratic strategist Elizabeth Ashford compared California to “your cool cousin that comes for the holidays who is intriguing and glamorous, but who might not fit in with the family year-round.”
Governor Newsom proudly highlights California’s global economic standing and cultural influence, although critics, including Trump, describe the state as a dystopian landscape plagued by homelessness and high living costs.
While only two Californians, Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, have reached the presidency, Harris and Newsom are contemplating breaking this streak in 2028. Both utilized the DNC meeting to engage with party leaders and attendees.
Addressing the committee, Harris acknowledged the party’s challenges, stating, “both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust.” She urged a re-evaluation of the party’s direction, emphasizing the need to address the American dream’s dwindling reality for many.
California’s potential role in shaping Congress was also a focus, especially following the approval of Proposition 50, which aims to increase Democratic representation through redistricting. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized California’s importance in the upcoming elections, recalling Democratic victories during Trump’s first term.
Mayor Karen Bass speaks at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Friday.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Newsom seized the opportunity to celebrate Proposition 50’s success, engaging attendees with optimism. “There’s just a sense of optimism here,” he stated.
Democratic victories in New Jersey and Virginia reflected growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s administration, according to party leaders. “The party, more broadly, got their sea legs back, and they’re winning,” Newsom observed. “And winning solves a lot of problems.”
Louisiana committee member Katie Darling expressed admiration for Newsom’s unifying efforts, despite his controversial willingness to engage with Republicans.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks as his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom looks on during an election night gathering at the California Democratic Party headquarters on November 04, 2025 in Sacramento.
(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Despite some backlash from the left, Newsom’s podcast and controversial topics, like transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, have sparked debate.
Potential 2028 contenders, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, were also present, engaging in private discussions and media appearances.
California Republican Party chair Corrin Rankin criticized the event as “anti-Trump sessions” and pointed to local issues like homelessness.
California’s status as a fundraising powerhouse remains undisputed, with the state being a significant donor to presidential campaigns. The DNC meeting, while focused on internal matters, also attracted liberal groups advocating for causes such as minimum wage increases, with high-profile figures like Jane Fonda leading the charge.
However, the state’s progressive policies are sometimes a liability for Democrats in other regions, where such views clash with traditional working-class values. Trump capitalized on these differences during his campaign, emphasizing Harris’ support for controversial issues.
John Podesta, a seasoned Democratic strategist, argues that the issue isn’t California itself but an elitist perception problem within the party. “This sense that Democrats lost touch with the middle class and the poor in favor of the cultural elite is a real problem,” he explained.
Despite challenges, Newsom champions California’s progressive policies as a model for national direction, highlighting initiatives like affordable insulin and inclusive growth. “So much of the policy that’s coming out of the state of California promotes not just promise, but policy direction that I think is really important for the party,” he said.
Original Story at www.latimes.com