California Gov. Gavin Newsom asserted that the Democratic Party is "pretty aligned" with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on several core issues, including universal healthcare, climate change, and the transition away from fossil fuels. Newsom made these remarks during an interview with PBS NewsHour, where he was questioned about the increasing influence of democratic socialist ideas within the broader Democratic Party.
Newsom argued against Democrats distancing themselves from the DSA, advocating for a "big-tent party" where various viewpoints are incorporated. He suggested that the ideas espoused by the DSA are already mainstream within the Democratic Party, particularly concerning policies aimed at expanding healthcare access and addressing environmental concerns.
"I believe in universal healthcare, and I believe in Medicare for all, the party does overwhelmingly," Newsom stated. "And so, if it’s about more money in your pocket, lowering costs, getting money out of politics, if it’s about Medicare for all, I think we’re pretty aligned."
He further elaborated on climate change, saying, "It’s about recognizing that we’ve got a planet that is getting hotter and drier and that we’ve got to address the issue of climate change, we want energy security and we want to move off fossil fuels, that’s a DSA position, that’s a mainstream position within the Democratic Party."
When pressed on the perceived distance between Democratic leadership and DSA candidates, Newsom responded, "But, not the ideas." He characterized the label "democratic socialist" as potentially misleading, suggesting it often refers to what he sees as "progressives" within the party. "I think in many ways, it’s just a label … it’s just such a familiar label to me, we call them progressives," Newsom said.
He views the presence of these ideas within the party as healthy, reflecting "aspects and component parts of our party that we’ve always had and it’s a healthy dialectic within the party." Newsom, who is reportedly considering a presidential run in 2028, emphasized that his perspective is informed by his experience in California, which he believes is more accustomed to such political discourse.
The DSA, described as the pre-eminent socialist political group in the United States, has been gaining visibility. Its platform includes advocating for policies such as eliminating the Senate, replacing the president and Supreme Court with officials chosen by Congress, and comprehensive immigration reform, including amnesty for all immigrants and defunding the Department of War. The organization also supports an "immediate end to all deportations" and free migration.
Recent years have seen several DSA-endorsed candidates win elections, challenging established figures within the Democratic Party and prompting discussions about the future direction of the party. Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office, the DSA, and the Democratic National Committee for comment.