California Governor Newsom Rallies Nevada Democrats in Las Vegas

Newsom discusses his political life and efforts to combat Trump administration policies during book tour stop.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed a crowd of Nevada Democrats at a Las Vegas brewery on Wednesday, discussing his upbringing, political career, and the efforts his state has taken to combat the Trump administration's agenda. Newsom, who has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, sidestepped a quip from former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak about being the next U.S. president.

Why it matters

Newsom's visit to Nevada, a key swing state, is seen as part of a broader effort to raise his national profile and position himself as a leading voice in the Democratic Party's opposition to Trump-era policies. His remarks touched on issues like immigration enforcement, federal funding cuts, and election integrity - all of which have been major points of contention between California and the Trump administration.

The details

During the event, which was organized by the Nevada Democratic Party as part of their 'Local Brews + National Views' series, Newsom criticized the Trump administration's agenda and said California has been pushing back through dozens of lawsuits. He spoke about the need for Democrats to find their voice and courage to stand up to Trump's policies. Newsom also discussed his own role and 'complicity' in what he described as an 'existential moment' for Democrats following the 2024 election.

  • The event took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Newsom attended a private event in Boulder City earlier that same day.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Steve Sisolak

The former Governor of Nevada who introduced Newsom at the event.

Daniele Monroe-Moreno

The Nevada Assemblymember and state party chair who moderated the discussion.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose policies and agenda Newsom was criticizing.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States who was leading in hypothetical 2028 presidential primary polling alongside Newsom.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very grateful for your friendship, and a friendship that's only strengthened over the course of the last year or so.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“We were handwringing, a lot of finger pointing, and a sense of weakness. And just incapable of dealing with this moment, this existential moment.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“This happened on my watch. This is all happening on our watch. And so I realized that I needed to be better.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“You're filling the void, you're giving us a voice, you're giving us courage. For things to change, we have to change. And it's changing.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

Newsom is expected to continue his book tour and political outreach efforts in the coming months as he positions himself for a potential 2028 presidential run.

The takeaway

Newsom's visit to Nevada underscores the importance of the state in national politics, as well as the California governor's ambitions to play a larger role in the Democratic Party's opposition to the Trump administration's agenda. His remarks highlight the deep divisions within the party and the need for a renewed sense of purpose and direction.