Gavin Newsom's Tepid California Approval Ratings Raise Concerns for Presidential Ambitions

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's job approval rating stands at 45%, with 46% disapproval among registered voters in his home state, according to a poll released Tuesday by NBCUniversal Local and Telemundo Station Group. The findings come as Newsom, a prominent Democrat, reportedly considers a presidential bid.

The survey of 625 registered California voters conducted between Sept. 21 and Sept. 24 highlights a significant partisan split: 93% of Republicans disapproved of Newsom's performance, while 74% of Democrats approved. However, a majority of independents, 56%, also disapproved.

Political consultant Matt Rexroad noted that Newsom faces particular challenges with voters outside of California's major metropolitan areas. In Northern California regions outside of Sacramento and the Bay Area, only 28% approved of Newsom's job performance, while 60% disapproved. "This does not impact his Presidential campaign directly, but it does indicate that he does not know how to communicate with rural voters," Rexroad stated. He suggested that voters in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire might be unreceptive to a candidate perceived as being solely associated with California and San Francisco.

The poll also indicated demographic differences in approval. A majority of men disapproved of Newsom's job performance, while a majority of women approved. Among racial groups, a majority of white Californians disapproved, whereas Hispanics and Asians largely held positive views.

Morris Levy, an associate political science professor at the University of Southern California, commented that while Democrats largely support Newsom, the level of support may not be sufficient for a national campaign in a polarized political climate. "Some Democrats are also lukewarm on Newsom, or dissatisfied with his performance, and this could become an issue if he seeks the nomination," Levy said.

The poll indicated that 66% of surveyed California Democrats would consider voting for Newsom as the Democratic presidential nominee, though Levy pointed out this question did not include other potential candidates. While Newsom's approval ratings were consistent across different age groups, Levy suggested the poll might not fully capture the challenges Newsom could face, particularly with younger, more progressive voters on issues such as economics and foreign policy.

Newsom has recently traveled to early presidential primary states such as Michigan and South Carolina. He has also made policy announcements, including support for a national billionaire tax, which some analysts interpret as attempts to appeal to a broader base.

The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the poll.