Newsom admits pandemic missteps while hinting at 2028 presidential run

Governor Gavin Newsom told reporters that, looking back, shutting California’s beaches and keeping major school districts like Los Angeles Unified closed for extended periods were errors he now regrets. He referenced the controversial 2020 French Laundry dinner and the recall effort he narrowly survived in 2021. While some former opponents praised his admission, others, such as Anne Dunsmore of Rescue California, argued he still avoids acknowledging the billions spent on fraudulent unemployment benefits and the resulting budget crisis.

Political consultant Matt Klink accused Newsom of reshaping his pandemic legacy to boost a prospective 2028 presidential bid, noting inconsistencies in restrictions on churches and liquor stores. Republican Assembly communications director George Andrews mocked the timing, saying the governor only now concedes what Californians have long complained about. Newsom framed his reflections as an effort for leaders to own past excesses and improve.