McCarthy Criticizes Newsom, Says California Headed 'Downward Slope'

Former House Speaker says Republican could win governor's race in deep-blue state

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, pointing to outmigration and corporate departures as evidence of the state's "downward slope." McCarthy believes a Republican could win the governorship in the state's unique jungle primary system, and named San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as a potential candidate who could "rise up." However, McCarthy also acknowledged internal GOP divisions, criticizing congressional Republicans for wasting time during the government shutdown.

Why it matters

McCarthy's comments highlight the ongoing political tensions in California, where the Republican party has struggled in recent years despite the state's unique primary system. His assessment of Newsom's leadership and the potential for a Republican victory in the governor's race could shape the political narrative heading into the 2026 election cycle.

The details

In an interview with Fox News Digital, McCarthy said California is "on a downward slope" under Newsom's leadership, citing outmigration, corporate departures, and homelessness as evidence of the state's problems. He believes a Republican could win the governorship by strategizing around the state's jungle primary system, where the top two candidates advance regardless of party affiliation. McCarthy named San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as a Democrat who could "rise up" in the race, while criticizing Rep. Eric Swalwell as unqualified.

  • McCarthy's interview with Fox News Digital took place on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Kevin McCarthy

Former House Speaker and a Republican leader who is critical of California Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, a Democrat who is term-limited and will not be running for re-election.

Matt Mahan

The Democratic Mayor of San Jose, California, who McCarthy believes could "rise up" and potentially win the governorship.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who McCarthy believes is not qualified to be the next governor.

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What they’re saying

“What a failure. You look at how many people left the state, you look how people look at the state, you look at the homelessness, you lool [sic] the major corporations that are generating income here have left. We're on a downward slope.”

— Kevin McCarthy, Former House Speaker (Fox News Digital)

“If Republicans were smart, and they powered on the idea, we could actually come out of the primary with only two Republicans. It's not any sure thing, but it's a unique strategy that can work. It's not fighting with one another; it's generating more people to come because it's an open primary.”

— Kevin McCarthy, Former House Speaker (Fox News Digital)

“You look at the Democrats — so many running and so many who are not qualified. Like, Eric Swalwell is not qualified to be governor. He's not qualified to actually run for governor.”

— Kevin McCarthy, Former House Speaker (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

McCarthy's comments could shape the political narrative heading into the 2026 California gubernatorial election, where the Republican party will be looking to capitalize on Newsom's term-limited departure and the state's unique primary system.

The takeaway

McCarthy's criticism of Newsom's leadership and his belief that a Republican could win the California governorship highlight the ongoing political tensions in the state. However, his acknowledgment of GOP infighting also suggests the party faces challenges in presenting a united front heading into the 2026 election cycle.