Gov. Newsom Personally Announces Final Delegate Votes At DNC

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom personally announced the final delegate votes of the night for Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, raising questions about what, if any, role he will have should Harris win in November.

Before speeches from former President Barack Obama and others on Tuesday night, the traditional national convention roll call of the states was held. While California Governors have announced the state’s tally in the past, such as then-Governor Jerry Brown announcing how California’s votes were going at the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia, the 2024 DNC was different. As Harris is from California, California was the last state to be called. And while many California lawmakers and dignitaries were there, including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) and labor leader Dolores Huerta, Newsom was ultimately tapped to pledge the votes.

“I’ve had the privilege for over 20 years to see that future taking shape with a star in an Alameda County courtroom by the name of Kamala Harris,” said Newsom from the convention floor. “I saw that star. I saw that star fighting for criminal justice, racial justice, social justice. I saw that star get even brighter as attorney general of California, as a United States senator and as the vice president of the United States of America.

“Harris has always done the right thing. A champion for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, rights for women and girls. Democrats and independents, it’s time for us to do the right thing and make Kamala Harris the next president of the United States of America.”

Newsom pledged all 482 votes to Harris, officially making her the Democratic nominee. While speeches by others including former President Barack Obama followed, Newsom’s delegate pledge was one of the highlights of the night, as it was Harris’ home state and Newsom having a national profile.

Afterwards, many began to question where Newsom would go from here. It is known that Newsom will continue to stump for Harris until November. Newsom had been the primary surrogate for President Joe Biden when he was still running earlier this year, and was also his primary defender. Following Biden’s disastrous June debate performance, Newsom had been the first one to do damage control for Biden, even having to deny that he would take his place as nominee. Before Biden pulled out of the race last month, Newsom even worked with Harris to say that Biden was still the candidate. And when Biden pulled out and Harris emerged as the frontrunner, he quickly backed her as the main candidate and has recently even helped her in fundraising events.

.@realDonaldTrump is absolutely spinning with Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket.

He doesn’t know what to do.

It’s an incredible thing to watch.

While he spins we’re gearing up to vote and to WIN. pic.twitter.com/hVcAzAkSbJ

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 21, 2024

But on Wednesday, the question has gained momentum: What now for Newsom? With Harris as the nominee, it could be until 2032 that Newsom has a clear shot for running in an open race – six years removed from being Governor. It’s not unprecedented, as Ronald Reagan managed to get the Republican nomination and presidency in 1980 six years after leaving the Governor’s office. But he had also never left. He ran a close 1976 presidential campaign and stayed in the media spotlight as a critic against Jimmy Carter and stayed active in politics.

For Newsom, that might be a bit of a stretch. He is planning for something post 2026. He has plans to move back to Marin County and is building his media presence through things like podcasts. And as the Globe noted before, this all depends on what Harris does this year. Nationally, Harris has only about a three point lead over Trump as of Wednesday, with her VP pick and DNC hype pushing her over in recent weeks. Should she lose, Newsom has an open shot in 2028 against a Republican who isn’t Trump – the first time he won’t be the GOP nominee since 2012.

But a Harris win brings complications. Newsom has been a big supporter of Harris partially for these reasons. He wants something to carry him over through the 2020s. A cabinet position, either pre-Governor or post-Governor, is likely. Especially as a second term cabinet member should she win in 2028. But so is Newsom trying for another office to help bridge between 2026 and 2032. Regardless of the scenario, the DNC spotlight on Newsom on Tuesday made it clear: He’s not going anywhere.

“Newsom is keeping all his options open right now. And like we’ve seen from candidates in his position in the past, he’s sticking close to the nominee to stay relevant,” said Melissa Spielman, a political analyst who focuses on presidential primaries, to the Globe on Monday. “2028 was supposed to be his year to run regardless. You’ve all seen all the build up he has been having. So with Harris in, and 2028 possibly being a reelection year for her, Newsom suddenly has to worry about that potential six year gap.

“It looks like he is planning to do what Hillary Clinton did. Get a cabinet position to keep up the national profile. For Newsom, it’s either leave the Governor’s office early in 2024, wait until after 2026 for any open positions, or 2028 when the second term reshuffle happens. Or Newsom could go for Senator too. But, him staying so close to her, it’s pretty obvious what he is gunning for. That speech last night sealed it. He’ll fundraise and give speeches for her, and in the end, if she wins, he’ll get something.

“But this is all assuming Harris wins. Trump wins, Newsom is back on track to run in 2028. And bonus for him, Newsom campaigning for Harris gives him additional exposure. It’s more than obvious what Newsom wants. Biden dropping out and Harris coming in just severely altered potential plans.”

It is currently unknown if Newsom is to speak again at the DNC.