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Amid MAGA backlash, Trump nemesis soars ahead in new poll

This lawmaker is surging ahead in popularity among the Democratic Party, according to a new poll.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading by a large margin in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic presidential primary, an Emerson College poll revealed on Friday. Newsom recorded 25% support, a 13-point increase from June when he trailed behind other potential nominees at 12%.

Following behind Newsom is former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with 16%, former Vice President Kamala Harris with 11%, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro with 5%, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with 4%, respectively.

“Governor Newsom’s support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and White (10% to 24%) voters,” Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a press release.

Newsom’s sudden rise in favorability comes as he has made headlines — and subsequently sparked conservative backlash — in recent weeks through his trolling of President Donald Trump and MAGA on social media. His press account on X has mocked the president’s online presence, often posting messages in all-caps and giving his political rivals new nicknames. Some on the right have complained about the new strategy, with many claiming that he is copying Trump and his persona on Truth Social.

Newsom has also faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers as he moves forward with his own plan in California to counter a GOP-led effort in Texas — backed by the president — intended to add up to five safe seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Voters are expected to vote on their own blue-leaning map during a November special election.

Per the poll, Vice President JD Vance has taken an even greater lead compared to Newsom on a 2028 Republican presidential primary ballot, with 52% of GOP voters backing his nomination. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has 9% of support, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has 7%.

In a potential 2028 general election matchup between Newsom and Vance, they are tied, with both standing at 44% support. Twelve percent of voters remain undecided. The figure marks a shift from July, when Vance held a 3-point lead on Newsom.

Kimball attributed Newsom’s recent gains to voters aged 18 to 29.

The poll surveyed 1,000 active registered voters and was conducted between Aug. 25-26. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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