Phil Willon

2 weeks ago | gazettextra.com | Phil Willon

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - When the top Democratic candidates for governor took the stage at a labor forum last week, the digs at Gov. Gavin Newsom were subtle. The message, however, was clear. Newsom's home stretch as California governor may be a bumpy ride. Newsom hopes to end his time as governor in an air of accomplishment and acclaim, which would elevate his political legacy and prospects in a potential presidential run. But the Democrats running to replace him have a much different agenda.

2 weeks ago | pressdemocrat.com | Phil Willon

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When the top Democratic candidates for governor took the stage at a labor forum last week, the digs at Gov. Gavin Newsom were subtle. The message, however, was clear. Newsom’s home stretch as California governor may be a bumpy ride. Newsom hopes to end his time as governor in an air of accomplishment and acclaim, which would elevate his political legacy and prospects in a potential presidential run. But the Democrats running to replace him have a much different agenda.

2 weeks ago | thenewstribune.com | Phil Willon

Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his May revision to the state budget on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the Capitol Swing Space. The governor proposed no additional local drug treatment to help implement the sentencing reforms in November’s Proposition 36. (Hector Amezcua/The Sacramento Bee/TNS) Hector Amezcua TNS SACRAMENTO, Calif. - When the top Democratic candidates for governor took the stage at a labor forum last week, the digs at Gov. Gavin Newsom were subtle.

2 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Phil Willon

"Lots of voters think things are not going well in California right now. So if you're running for governor, you have to run as a change candidate. You have to run as 'I'm going to shake things up,' " said political scientist Eric Schickler, co-director of the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at UC Berkeley. "In doing that, you're at least implicitly criticizing the current governor, right?"But he also pushed back against Kirk and others during the interviews.

2 weeks ago | latimes.com | Phil Willon

When the top Democratic candidates for governor took the stage at a labor forum last week, the digs at Gov. Gavin Newsom were subtle. The message, however, was clear. Newsom’s home stretch as California governor may be a bumpy ride. Newsom hopes to end his time as governor in an air of accomplishment and acclaim, which would elevate his political legacy and prospects in a potential presidential run. But the Democrats running to replace him have a much different agenda.