Is Gov. Gavin Newsom jealous of Vice President Kamala Harris and her Democratic presidential nomination?

LA Times Columnist Mark Z. Barabak says the answer is a definitive “yes.”

Both Newsom and Harris hail from the San Francisco area and have navigated similar political circles for more than two decades. They share a common donor base and geographic roots, leading to speculation about underlying tensions between them.

While Newsom has publicly dismissed the idea of sibling rivalry as a “stupid construct,” arguing that their relationship includes elements of both competition and mutual support, Barabak contends that there are genuine complexities at play.

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Observers Catch Newsom Unfazed By Harris Struggles

Observers close to both politicians have noted that Newsom appeared unfazed by Harris’s early struggles as vice president, while Harris was reportedly not overly dismayed by Newsom’s battle with a recall effort, despite showing support with a rally for him.

Newsom has publicly expressed support for Harris, stating in various interviews that he looks forward to campaigning for her and has no personal presidential ambitions until at least 2032.

However, a recent interview released after the Democrats’ Chicago convention included Newsom making a sarcastic comment about Harris’s nomination process, which has led some to question whether he was inadvertently revealing his true feelings about her rapid rise.

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As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the competitive dynamic between Newsom and Harris remains a point of interest. Should Harris succeed in her presidential bid, Newsom’s political ambitions might be set aside for the next four years.

Conversely, if she does not win, Newsom could emerge as a key figure in the Democratic response, potentially positioning himself as a prominent presidential candidate in future elections.

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For now, Newsom remains focused on his role as governor of California, managing one of the largest and most diverse states in the union while navigating the intricate landscape of his political career.

Read more from Mark Z. Barabak.