Reform California with Carl DeMaio · Carl DeMaio

Gavin Newsom Using Tax Dollars For His Campaign!

March 10, 2026·12 min·1 clip

Gavin Newsom is using $19 million of your taxpayer money to fund a PR campaign for his presidential run.

This episode of Reform California with Carl DeMaio focuses on Governor Gavin Newsom's use of state funds for a public relations campaign. Host Carl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California and a state representative, argues this spending benefits Newsom's political ambitions. He frames the episode as an exposé of taxpayer money being used for political purposes. DeMaio cites a specific NBC poll showing Gavin Newsom has a national net favorability rating of negative 18%. The poll lists figures like Donald Trump at negative 12% and Kamala Harris at negative 17% for comparison. The central claim is that Newsom is directing $19 million in state taxpayer money to a PR campaign to improve California's image. DeMaio references a contract obtained by John Fleischman at The Flash Report detailing this initiative. The stated goals of the PR campaign include highlighting California's economic dominance and reinforcing it as a tourist destination. DeMaio counters that California's unemployment rate is 22% higher than the national average and notes recent business relocations. He states $14 million of the total is allocated specifically for paid advertisements. A surprising claim is that Newsom's face will allegedly appear on all ads from this state-funded campaign. DeMaio draws a parallel to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's past use of publicly-funded ads. He argues the campaign is a "gaslighting" effort to dispel myths while the state faces a multi-billion dollar deficit. The host announces Reform California's "Expose Gavin Newsom" campaign to build a documented record of the Governor's failures. This opposition research is described as a "dirt file" to be released weekly when Newsom announces a presidential run. A final, unrelated story criticizes the LA Marathon for offering an early finish option with a full trophy. The tone is highly critical, confrontational, and politically charged, using blunt and inflammatory language. The style is a direct-to-camera monologue that mixes poll analysis with activist fundraising appeals. This episode would strongly appeal to conservative Californians and listeners critical of Governor Newsom and state Democratic leadership. Individuals seeking a neutral policy analysis or supporters of the Governor would likely find it unpersuasive.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Reform California with Carl DeMaio