Newsom Urges Democrats To Be 'More Culturally Normal'
Gavin Newsom urged Democrats to focus on electricity, childcare, health care and housing costs instead of identity politics, and warned that failing to find nuance on competitive sports could cost voters.
Overview
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Democrats need to be "more culturally normal" in an interview that aired on Monday.
He said the party should spend less time on pronouns and identity politics and more on "tabletop" issues like electricity bills, childcare costs, health care and housing costs.
Newsom said he remains a staunch advocate for the trans community, citing a record of pro-trans legislation and a trans godson, though he has faced backlash for his moderate position.
In the 2025 elections, several Democrats won by centering campaigns on affordability and kitchen-table issues, and the DNC chair has pushed a "back to basics" messaging shift.
Newsom warned that if the party cannot find nuance on competitive medal sports it risks losing people, and he made a similar argument in a December 2025 interview.
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
FAQ
Newsom stated that biological males competing in female sports is 'deeply unfair,' distinguishing it from broader trans advocacy, while noting 80% of people disagree but it comes from his heart.
Newsom urged focus on electricity bills, childcare costs, health care, and housing costs.
He cites signing more pro-trans legislation than any other governor, having a trans godson, and insists his sports position is not an indictment of the trans community.
Yes, Newsom faced backlash from Democrats for his moderate position on transgender athletes in sports.
In the 2025 elections, several Democrats won by centering campaigns on affordability and kitchen-table issues, and the DNC chair pushed a 'back to basics' messaging shift.
