California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, is reportedly amassing significant financial backing from major Hollywood donors in preparation for a potential presidential campaign in 2028. The Democrat has been cultivating a national profile, notably through pointed social media attacks on former President Donald Trump and a recent redistricting success that could net his party up to five additional congressional seats in California.
Hollywood's Rising Star
According to reports, left-leaning film and television executives are increasingly viewing Newsom as a future leader for the Democratic Party. One agency executive told Deadline they had been impressed by the Governor's transformation and his willingness to directly challenge Trump, a shift from his earlier cooperation with the Trump administration to secure wildfire relief funds. The executive cited the ICE raids and National Guard deployment as pivotal moments that "changed everything."
A prominent producer and reliable Democratic donor described Newsom as "a fighter" and expressed a desire for other party leaders to emulate his assertive approach. This growing enthusiasm is translating into tangible financial support. Democratic insider James Costas confirmed that "big checks are being written" by Los Angeles donors, with momentum building ahead of a major Democratic National Convention meeting scheduled in the city.
Currying Favour in Tinseltown
Newsom's relationship with the entertainment industry has been bolstered by substantial state support. Last month, $313 million was allocated to television applicants through California's incentive programmes. Furthermore, the Governor more than doubled the annual budget for the state's film and television tax incentive programme this year, bringing it to $750 million.
Political strategist Donna Bojarsky suggested Newsom has "captured the zeitgeist and spirit of the voters" through his risk-taking. While the presidential race remains distant, one major donor indicated that influential figures are keen to ensure they are "on the Newsom train if it takes off." The Governor himself confirmed his presidential ambitions in an October interview, stating he would be "lying" if he said he wasn't considering a run.
Challenges and Competition on the Horizon
However, the path to the White House is not without obstacles. Newsom faces potential competition from other Democrats, including figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Kamala Harris. Other potential contenders, such as Governors Andy Beshear and Wes Moore, have also been courting Hollywood support independently.
Republicans are expected to highlight Newsom's past scandals. These include a 2005 affair with his campaign manager's wife while he was Mayor of San Francisco, which led him to seek counselling and temporarily quit drinking. More recently, he faced public backlash for attending a Michelin-starred indoor dinner in Napa Valley during COVID-19 lockdowns, an event he later called a "bad mistake."
Despite these controversies, some polls suggest Newsom currently leads Vice President Harris as a preferred Democratic candidate for 2028, though concerns persist in California about him prioritising his national profile over state matters. As the political landscape evolves, the support from Hollywood's megadonors provides a formidable early foundation for any future campaign.
