California Gov. Newsom Draws Enthusiastic Crowd in Nashville Despite GOP Criticism

Newsom responds to Tennessee Sen. Blackburn's warning not to visit, saying 'Eat your heart out, Marsha' to laughter from the audience.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Despite warnings from Tennessee Republicans not to visit the state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom received a warm welcome from hundreds of people at an event in Nashville. Newsom, who many hope will run for President in 2028, responded to Sen. Marsha Blackburn's social media video telling him not to come by joking 'Eat your heart out, Marsha' to laughter from the crowd. Newsom discussed a range of political issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to voting integrity and redistricting, drawing enthusiastic responses, especially for his criticism of the Trump administration and Republican policies in red states.

Why it matters

Newsom's visit to Tennessee, a solidly Republican state, highlights the national political ambitions of the California governor and his willingness to take on GOP leaders in other parts of the country. His ability to draw a large, engaged crowd in Nashville despite warnings from Republicans underscores Newsom's growing national profile and the enthusiasm he is generating among Democrats.

The details

During the event moderated by Justin Kanew of The Tennessee Holler, Newsom discussed his early political career, including issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples as San Francisco mayor in 2004. He criticized Tennessee Republicans for advancing legislation that challenges protections for gay couples, saying 'It's America in reverse right now.' Newsom also talked about issues like homelessness, voting integrity, and redistricting, arguing that states are 'on the frontline of these battles' and that voters can't let state representatives 'off the hook.' He said he had met privately with Tennessee Democratic lawmakers earlier in the evening.

  • Newsom issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples as San Francisco mayor in 2004.
  • Tennessee Republicans advanced a bill this week that challenges protections for gay couples.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who many hope will run for President in 2028.

Marsha Blackburn

The Republican senator from Tennessee who posted a video on social media telling Newsom not to visit the state.

Justin Kanew

The moderator of the event and the founder of the independent news site The Tennessee Holler.

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What they’re saying

“Eat your heart out, Marsha,”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“It's America in reverse right now. You're seeing this not just in Tennessee but around the country. I think we will lose our republic if we don't wake up to what these guys are doing in real time.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

Newsom's visit to Tennessee has fueled further speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, though he has not officially announced any plans to do so.

The takeaway

Newsom's ability to draw a large, enthusiastic crowd in a solidly Republican state like Tennessee underscores his growing national profile and the enthusiasm he is generating among Democrats, even as he takes on GOP leaders in other parts of the country.