‘Established Insurgent’: Newsom Tests New Political Identity Ahead of 2028

Gavin Newsom is nearing the end of his time as California governor, but as speculation continues over a potential 2028 presidential run, the longtime politician is describing himself as an “established insurgent.”

Newsom made the comment during a weekend trip to Michigan, where he spoke with reporters about the direction of the Democratic Party.

When asked about concerns that Michigan Democrat Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed represents a shift too far to the left, Newsom pushed back, pointing instead to voters’ “desire for change.”

“I’ve long felt like I’ve been an established insurgent. I’ve always had that mindset. I’ve been in elected office a long time, but I’ve never been naive about people’s desire for change, including my own desire for change.”

Newsom’s characterization has drawn attention from political observers as he openly weighs a potential presidential campaign in 2028.

CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian said he believes Newsom is attempting to tap into growing anti-establishment energy within the Democratic Party.

“This guy—Gavin Newsom was a two-term San Francisco mayor, a two-term lieutenant governor, and now a two-term governor of California. Tough to call him an insurgent, right?”

“He wants to use that to translate, ‘Hey, I’m a fighter, I’m part of that side of the party, I’m not the establishment’ despite his very long resume showing just how establishment he is.”

Newsom’s “insurgent” characterization also comes as he approaches the end of nearly eight years governing California, spending roughly $24 billion addressing homelessness while the state’s homeless population has grown by approximately 30,000 people, reaching more than 181,000.

California’s long-delayed high-speed rail project has also spent billions without beginning passenger service, while the state’s unemployment rate currently stands at 5.2%.

Newsom has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign, but he has publicly acknowledged considering a run, and his travel outside California has continued to fuel speculation about his political future.

Newsom also took time during his Michigan trip to meet with Abdul El-Sayed.

Neither Newsom nor El-Sayed has publicly detailed their private conversation. However, podcaster Mark Halperin reported that Newsom came away impressed with El-Sayed, citing an attendee who said they overheard the governor discussing the meeting afterward.

According to Halperin’s source, Newsom described El-Sayed as thoughtful and persuasive and rejected portrayals of him as a “wild ideologue.”

Whether Newsom’s “established insurgent” label becomes part of a future presidential pitch remains to be seen, but his comments in Michigan are already drawing attention to how the longtime California politician may position himself beyond the governor’s office.

The Daily Signal contacted the governor’s press office for details but did not receive a response by publication.