California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, faces mounting scrutiny over his record of unfulfilled pledges. In a recent interview, Newsom argued that Americans prefer leaders who are “strong and wrong” over those who are “weak and right,” a philosophy he has adopted by mimicking Donald Trump’s combative style. However, critics say his eight-year tenure in California reveals a pattern of bold promises followed by retreat.
Newsom’s 2018 campaign for governor was built on progressive ideals, including a pledge to create a single-payer healthcare system. He dismissed skeptics, saying he was “tired of politicians saying they support single-payer but that it’s too soon, too expensive or someone else’s problem.” Yet once in office, he abandoned the plan in favour of lesser reforms, drawing accusations of a “flip-flop” from union organisers.
On housing, Newsom promised to build 3.5 million new units by 2025. By 2022, only 13% of that target had been permitted, and he later dismissed the goal as a “stretch goal.” He also pledged to appoint a “homeless czar” but eventually declared himself the czar, then blamed local officials as homelessness surged. Despite inheriting multibillion-dollar surpluses from his predecessor Jerry Brown, Newsom’s spending has led to projected deficits.
Newsom’s record on other issues is similarly mixed. He imposed a moratorium on the death penalty but stopped short of commuting sentences, leaving the door open for a future governor to resume executions. During the pandemic, he initially won praise for decisive action but later caved to pressure from Elon Musk and rightwing protesters, reopening the state prematurely and shifting responsibility to counties, leading to a surge in infections and deaths.
After George Floyd’s murder, Newsom created a Reparations Task Force, earning national headlines. But in 2025, as racial justice lost political momentum, he vetoed many of its key bills. The New York Times noted that Newsom’s shift may reflect his presidential ambitions, as “a majority of Americans oppose taxpayer-funded reparations.”
Newsom’s theatrical style has boosted his national profile, but his record of broken promises may prove a liability. As one observer put it, “The governor has a talent for talking big but falling short.” With a potential 2028 run looming, the contrast between his rhetoric and his achievements is likely to face intense scrutiny.
