California governor Gavin Newsom is managing the fifth largest economy in the world while handling his re-election campaign, and implementing some of the most progressive policies in the country.
This year, he signed 997 bills into law in this state, including bills to protect women's reproductive rights, protect their privacy and protect providers. He also signed bills to ensure pay equity, create more affordable housing, fighting the climate crisis, and balancing the California budget with a surplus while sending tax rebates to middle class California families to help with high gas prices.
And he writes children's books, too!
But what I appreciated the most about Governor Newsom this year was how he pushed Democrats to quit being so timid and start speaking up, like he did in the video above where he (quite appropriately) wondered aloud about their anemic response to the Dobbs leak. Someone had to say it, and I'm glad he did.
It seemed like he was positioning himself for a run at the Democratic nomination in 2024, which would be the logical next step for him but also a wildly controversial step as well, but he graciously bowed out and swore not to run in 2024 even if Biden doesn't. I'm quite sure VP Harris is relieved, too.
For being a superb leader of our fair state, and also for his willingness to push when needed, Gavin Newsom earns a Good Guy award.
