Republican strategist Scott Jennings downplayed Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s prospects as a 2028 presidential contender during a discussion posted Tuesday by the Manhattan Institute.
Jennings’ remarks followed recent polling showing Newsom leading among likely Democratic contenders. A Yahoo/YouGov survey conducted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 found that 21% of registered voters who were Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents backed Newsom when asked about potential 2028 candidates.
During the New York event, an audience member asked Jennings where Newsom ranked on his “radar.”
Jennings responded, “Somewhere between Chuckles and Bozo on my clown scale.”
Jennings expanded on his view by saying, “I mean, one of the least serious national people out there, a complete and total clown. And now, their are Democrats, so they oftentimes nominate complete and total clowns. So I guess I shouldn’t discount it totally, but he is so inauthentic … authenticity is really the only thing that matters right now in politics and media. [President Donald] Trump has changed everything. These people who exude inauthenticity fail almost every time. [Former Vice President Kamala] Harris was the most recent example.”
He continued his criticism by addressing how he perceived Newsom’s standing with voters.
“She could not exist in a world that demanded authenticity. I view him that way. And so I don’t see it. I’m not a Democrat, so maybe I can’t see it. But I think that if you want to turn the rest of the country into California, that’s a choice,” Jennings said.
“But I think most Americans wouldn’t regard that as a good choice. And so I don’t personally see it. But I guess we’ll see what they want to do. But I think he is in politics for literally all the wrong reasons. And I think people kind of sense it.”
🚨NEW: @ScottJenningsKY *EXCORIATES* Gavin Newsom🤣🤡
“[He’s] one of the least serious national people out there — a complete and total clown … he is so inauthentic.”@DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/qB2atUtPqq
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) December 1, 2025
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Newsom has publicly discussed the possibility of entering the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
In an interview on CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” in October, he said he would decide after the 2026 midterm elections.
That statement followed years of criticism from California voters who have expressed concerns about his policies on issues including crime and homelessness.
Newsom has also encountered disagreement within his own party.
In March, he said on his “This Is Gavin Newsom” podcast that biological men competing in women’s sports is “deeply unfair,” a comment that drew pushback from some Democratic officials and activists.
Polling throughout the year reflected mixed public sentiment about the governor’s national ambitions.
In April, a Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll found that 54% of 6,201 registered voters believed Newsom was “doing things that might benefit him as a possible candidate for president,” while 26% said he was “governing the state and helping to solve its problems.”
In October, an Emerson College poll tested a potential general election matchup between Newsom and Vice President JD Vance.
The survey found 46% support for Vance, 45% backing Newsom, and 10% undecided.
