Newsom Urges Democrats to Embrace Socialists in 'Addition Business'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has encouraged Democrats to welcome candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), characterizing the party as needing to be in the “addition not subtraction” business to regain a majority. Newsom, speaking on his YouTube channel, rejected the notion that socialist candidates pose a threat to the Democratic Party.

“This is all familiar, and it’s very healthy,” Newsom stated, drawing parallels to his own mayoral campaign in San Francisco in 2003. “I don’t think it’s unhealthy. So, I completely reject this notion. And, look, I’m for addition, not subtraction.”

He emphasized the importance of a “big tent” approach, suggesting that focusing on common ground is more beneficial than dwelling on internal divisions. “The Democratic Party needs to be in the addition business if we’re going to get back into the majority. 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,” Newsom said.

Newsom’s remarks align with other prominent Democrats who have voiced support for including socialist candidates within the party's broader coalition, particularly following recent primary election successes for socialists in New York. He noted that “purity tests” are likely to intensify but expressed enthusiasm for the energy and grassroots activity seen across the country.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has also spoken in favor of a wide-reaching party, stating, “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 also voiced support for new leadership when asked about DSA-backed candidates who have defeated incumbents in primary elections.

Last month, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., cautioned her Democratic colleagues against prematurely dismissing socialist candidates. She advised incumbents to avoid creating a “self-fulfilling prophecy” by deciding the fates of potential candidates before meeting them.