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Newsom's Lame Duck Status Sparks Political Maneuvering
Confirmed
In Short: California Governor Gavin Newsom, a lame duck heading into 2028, is using his remaining time to support gubernatorial campaigns in other states, raising hopes for Republicans in Oregon.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a lame duck heading into 2028, is using his remaining time to support gubernatorial campaigns in other states, raising hopes for Republicans in Oregon. According to reports, a poll conducted by DHM Research for the business-backed group Grow Oregon gives Republicans fresh hope of flipping the governor’s mansion in a state that has elected Democratic governors in every election since 1986. Despite the optimism, history and political gravity still pose significant challenges for Drazan, a Republican candidate.
Newsom, who loves to heckle Donald Trump and talk about the 'big swings' he’s taken at policy while in office, is not the first elected official to have a gap year (or years) before being elected to the Oval Office. Ronald Reagan had more than five years off between being governor of California and winning the presidency, but it’s definitely a disadvantage for Newsom. His out-of-state trips to lend a hand in campaigns are likely one of his last as governor.
Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Daniel McKee in the Democratic primary for governor of Rhode Island on September 14, 2026, adding to the political landscape. Meanwhile, Fremantle co-produces the show alongside Sony Pictures Television 19 Entertainment, though this is unrelated to Newsom's political maneuvering.
It is not his first out-of-state trip to lend a hand in campaigns, but likely one of his last as governor. Newsom’s actions come as Republicans in Oregon are optimistic about flipping the governor’s mansion, while Democrats are focused on maintaining control.
What's confirmed
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, a lame duck heading into 2028, is using his remaining time to support gubernatorial campaigns in other states, raising hopes for Republicans in Oregon. According to reports, a poll conducted by DHM Research for the business-backed group Grow Oregon gives Republicans fresh hope of flipping the governor’s mansion in a state that has elected Democratic governors in every election since 1986. Despite the optimism, history and political gravity still pose significant challenges for Drazan, a Republican candidate.
- Newsom, who loves to heckle Donald Trump and talk about the 'big swings' he’s taken at policy while in office, is not the first elected official to have a gap year (or years) before being elected to the Oval Office. Ronald Reagan had more than five years off between being governor of California and winning the presidency, but it’s definitely a disadvantage for Newsom. His out-of-state trips to lend a hand in campaigns are likely one of his last as governor.
- Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Daniel McKee in the Democratic primary for governor of Rhode Island on September 14, 2026, adding to the political landscape. Meanwhile, Fremantle co-produces the show alongside Sony Pictures Television 19 Entertainment, though this is unrelated to Newsom's political maneuvering.
- It is not his first out-of-state trip to lend a hand in campaigns, but likely one of his last as governor. Newsom’s actions come as Republicans in Oregon are optimistic about flipping the governor’s mansion, while Democrats are focused on maintaining control.
What's still developing
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- “Four years ago, Tina Kotek made big promises on homelessness, housing, education, and affordability, but today, Oregonians are paying more, getting less, and watching the same problems get worse.” Despite the optimism, history — and political gravity — still pose significant challenges for Drazan.
- 3, 2026) – Inside Elections Inside Elections Search Inside Elections About Ratings House Senate Governor Data Analysis House Senate Governor President Calendar Subscribe Login Search × Nonpartisan Analysis Since 1980 Search Governor Report Shorts (Sept.
- Sign Up Login Analysis View All Runoff Results in Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina August 26, 2026 by Inshara Ali Governor Report Shorts (Aug.
- Sept. 14, 2026 An earlier version of this column said Ronald Reagan twice ran unsuccessfully for president while serving as California governor.
- But 2028 is a long way away, about a millennium in political time.