Senator Criticized for Attending California Protest Instead of Addressing Issues in Home State

Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat with 2028 presidential aspirations, drew backlash for posing with Jimmy Kimmel at a 'No Kings' rally in Torrance, California.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:34pm

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Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) raised eyebrows on Saturday for appearing at an anti-Trump 'No Kings' protest in Torrance, California, over 2,500 miles from his home state. Murphy posted photos with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and touted discussions with Californians pushing a proposed 'Billionaire Tax' ballot initiative, drawing criticism from conservatives for not addressing pressing issues in his own state.

Why it matters

As a speculated 2028 presidential contender, Murphy's decision to attend a high-profile protest in California rather than focus on matters in his home state of Connecticut has raised questions about his political priorities and whether he is more focused on building a national profile than serving his constituents.

The details

Murphy posted photos on social media showing him at the 'No Kings' rally in Torrance, California, with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. He also discussed the proposed 'California Billionaire Tax Act' with local activists, a measure that has drawn opposition from California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, another potential 2028 presidential candidate. Critics quickly seized on Murphy's unexpected presence in California, questioning why the Connecticut senator was not addressing issues in his own state, such as the ongoing partial government shutdown that has caused airport security lines to remain in shambles.

  • On March 28, 2026, the Senate broke for recess.
  • On March 29, 2026, Murphy attended the 'No Kings' protest in Torrance, California.

The players

Chris Murphy

A Democratic senator from Connecticut who is rumored to have 2028 presidential aspirations.

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of the late-night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who has also drawn 2028 presidential buzz.

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What they’re saying

“Why is a senator from Connecticut hanging out in Torrance, California?”

— Stephen Miller, Conservative pundit

“This one writes itself.”

— Dean Cain, Actor

What’s next

The Post contacted Murphy's office for comment about his presence in California, but it remains unclear why the Connecticut senator chose to attend the protest in Torrance rather than address issues in his home state.

The takeaway

Murphy's decision to appear at a high-profile protest in California has raised questions about his political priorities and whether he is more focused on building a national profile than serving his constituents in Connecticut, especially as the state grapples with the ongoing partial government shutdown.