Newsom Encourages Democrats to Embrace Socialists, Rejecting 'Subtraction'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged the Democratic Party to welcome socialist candidates, framing it as a strategy for growth rather than a threat to the party's identity. During a livestream on Jack Cocchiarella's YouTube channel, Newsom rejected the notion that supporting socialists was detrimental.

"This is all familiar, and it's very healthy," Newsom said. "I don't think it's unhealthy. So I completely reject this notion. And look, I'm for addition, not subtraction. The Democratic Party needs to be in the addition business if we're going to get back into the majority."

Newsom drew parallels to his own mayoral campaign in San Francisco in 2003, where he faced similar debates about party inclusivity. He emphasized the need for a broad coalition, stating, "Yeah, we need to get our base out there. We got to turn out…I'm not offended by this notion of a big tent."

He continued, "And I think it's important, though, that big tent is a big tent, because there's folks, you know, on this side that don't want folks on that. I think we'd be better off to look at the things that bind us together, the things we have in common. And I know the purity tests are going to get tougher and tougher in the next few years. But I am enthusiastic about the success and the energy and the vibrancy that's happening at the grassroots in this country. I think it's a healthy damn thing."

Newsom's comments align with a growing sentiment among some Democratic figures who have supported or remained neutral on candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), especially after several DSA-backed candidates won primary elections in New York.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., previously told Fox News Digital, "We have a big tent party, that's what it says. This is a democracy. You're going to have lots of perspectives. It's up to the voters to decide, and they did."

Representative Jamie Raskin, D-Md., also expressed openness to new leadership when asked about DSA-backed candidates defeating incumbents. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has also cautioned colleagues against discouraging socialist candidates, advising them not to prejudge these individuals. Mamdani claims Democratic Socialists can win 'anywhere' as Democrats feud over party's future.