By Justin Choi

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently launched a podcast and sat down with Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA for his inaugural episode on Thursday.

The governor spoke extensively about a variety of issues such as biological men playing in women’s sports and the Republican surge in the recent presidential election. 

To many people’s surprise, the California governor sided with Kirk on the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports. This was surprising considering the governor’s past positions on transgender athletes. When Kirk brought up how unfair it was that biological men were playing in women’s sports, Newsom agreed by saying how “deeply unfair” it was.

His comments were surprising considering how different they were to what he had consistently said in the past. They were also very different from what mainstream Democrats had been saying over the last few election cycles. As governor of the largest Democratic state, Gavin Newsom has made it easier for minors to have gender-affirming surgeries and has expanded Medi-Cal to cover all illegal immigrants. Newsom’s slight change to his rhetoric on LGBT issues is a sign that he is looking to launch a 2028 presidential bid. 

According to CNN, at least 2630 counties shifted more Republican and with Trump becoming the first Republican president to win the popular vote in 20 years, many feel as if Newsom is looking to appear more moderate ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Gavin Newsom is currently in his second and last term as governor of the Golden State. As someone who has consistently championed for progressive and liberal policies, Newsom will have to convince voters that he is willing to listen to moderate voters. 

Charlie Kirk appeared on Hannity, to discuss his interview with Newsom and said, “I think he really wants to become president.” 

Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris has also not ruled out another run for the White House following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election. However, she is also considering a run for the Governor’s Mansion in 2026 to replace Gavin Newsom.

A new Emerson poll has shown Harris emerging as the frontrunner amongst primary voters to become the next California governor.