A majority of K Street leaders say that California Gov. Gavin Newsom is best positioned to lead the Democratic Party during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to our latest Canvass survey. Newsom is a likely 2028 presidential contender and has said he’d consider a run for the White House after the midterms.
About three-quarters of Democratic and Republican respondents identified Newsom as their top choice to lead the Democrats, putting him well ahead of every other person tested in the survey.
Behind Newsom, about one-third of those surveyed said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would be the next leader of the party. Both House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) garnered 30%.
The results are consistent with our November and October surveys. K Street leaders and senior Hill staff have repeatedly pointed to Newsom as the most likely leader of the Democratic Party in the second Trump administration.
Newsom has recently taken on a more visible national role, positioning himself against Trump on issues like the economy and immigration.
For example, Newsom jumped on Trump’s comment about oil prices following the U.S. attacks on Iran, a line the California governor is likely to use in future military operations.
Newsom was also key to Democrats’ successful redistricting effort in California. Winning the ballot initiative that effectively canceled out Texas Republicans’ redistricting moves has made Newsom a 2028 Democratic star and given Democrats a chance to win the House.
The California Democrat has recently spurred some controversy by going after conservative figures by calling them gay, comments that divide his allies.
The Canvass K Street was conducted March 2-20 in partnership with independent public affairs firm, LSG.
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