Gavin Newsom Admits Democrats Took Woke Politics Too Far

California governor says party needs to focus more on 'tabletop issues' like cost of living

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In an interview with CNN, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged that his party has spent too much time on 'woke politics' and 'identity politics' at the expense of addressing key economic issues like electricity, childcare, and housing costs. Newsom argued that Democrats need to be 'more culturally normal' in their politics to avoid losing voters.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Democrats that the party has become too focused on social and cultural issues at the expense of bread-and-butter economic concerns. As the party looks ahead to the 2024 elections, Newsom's remarks suggest a potential shift in strategy to reconnect with working-class voters.

The details

In the CNN interview, Newsom said Democrats need to spend less time on 'pronouns' and 'identity politics' and instead focus more on 'tabletop issues' like the cost of living. He argued that from a 'tactical perspective,' the party needs to be 'more culturally normal' in its politics. Newsom has previously been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, famously issuing same-sex marriage licenses as mayor of San Francisco in 2004. However, he now believes the party risks 'losing a lot of people' if it continues to emphasize identity politics over economic concerns.

  • Newsom made the comments in an interview with CNN that aired on February 23, 2026.
  • In December 2025, Newsom made similar remarks during an interview at The New York Times Dealbook Summit in New York.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights but now believes his party has gone too far in emphasizing 'identity politics' at the expense of economic issues.

Dana Bash

The CNN journalist who interviewed Newsom.

Barack Obama

The former U.S. president who distanced himself from Newsom in the past due to Newsom's stance on same-sex marriage.

Andrew Dickens

The Democratic mayor of Atlanta who Newsom spoke with at an event promoting his book.

Ted Cruz

The Republican U.S. senator from Texas who criticized Newsom for his comments about his SAT score and reading ability.

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What they’re saying

“From the prism of purely politics, there's no doubt that the Democratic party needs to be, dare I say, more culturally normal. I believe that.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CNN)

“Less prone to spending disproportionate amount of time on pronouns, identity politics, more focused on tabletop issues, things that really matter—the stacking of stress in terms of the electricity bills and childcare costs and health care and obviously housing costs, and how easily we get trapped in that.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CNN)

“Here I was, way out front on marriage equality, so I understand this from the receiving end of this and on the front end of this leading the pack, so I think there has to be some consideration of that. But I think if you can't hold the line on competitive sports—again, sports, there's some nuance in the larger conversation—but competitive, medal sports. If we can't find that nuance, I think we're gonna lose a lot of people.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CNN)

“You didn't give a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes. But you're going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake fucking outrage, Sean.”

— Gavin Newsom (X)

The takeaway

Newsom's comments reflect a growing recognition among some Democrats that the party has become too focused on cultural and social issues at the expense of addressing the economic concerns of working-class voters. As the party looks ahead to the 2024 elections, Newsom's remarks suggest a potential shift in strategy to reconnect with these voters and regain their support.