This episode of Inside California Politics covered three key developments: Gov. Gavin Newsom's campaign trip to Michigan that may also position him in early 2028 nominating states; the selection of Republican Sen. Roger Niello as the State Senate's minority leader and his emphasis on bipartisan relationships; and Sen. Adam Schiff's meeting with Northern California farmers to discuss the federal farm bill and concerns about proposed cuts to food assistance.
Inside California Politics: Newsom Campaigns in Michigan; State GOP Names Senate Minority Leader
Inside California Politics: Newsom campaigns for midterms, state Republicans pick new senate minorty leader
This week on Inside California Politics, host Eytan Wallace recaps a busy news cycle that included Gov. Gavin Newsom's campaign stop in Michigan, the selection of a new State Senate Republican leader, and Sen. Adam Schiff's meeting with Northern California farmers about the federal farm bill.
Newsom's Michigan Trip: Midterms — And Possibly More
Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Michigan to campaign for Democratic candidates in key midterm races. Political strategists Rob Stutzman and Andrew Acosta discussed whether the visit also serves a secondary purpose: building a presence in an early-nominating state ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.
"Well, two things can be true. He could be running for president and trying to take back the majority in the Senate," Acosta said. "There were multiple potential presidential contenders who headed to Michigan — Pete Buttigieg and others — on a unity tour in early states because the goal is to beat Donald Trump. If you're raising money for other candidates while you're considering a presidential run, it's essentially a twofer."
Gubernatorial Race: Becerra's Cautious Approach
The strategists also weighed in on the race to succeed Newsom. Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra holds a substantial lead in polls against conservative commentator Steve Hilton, and both analysts said Becerra's limited public appearances fit the playbook of a front-runner protecting a large advantage.
"Becerra said he'll do a debate. I believe he will. He should do one to avoid a narrative that he is hiding. But you won't see more than that," Stutzman said. "He's got a huge lead, and the only way you can lose that huge lead is to start making massive mistakes. Debate stages are where those things can happen."
New State Senate GOP Leader: Roger Niello
Republican State Senator Roger Niello of Fair Oaks was chosen as the State Senate's incoming minority leader. Niello emphasized experience, relationship-building and pragmatic cooperation as the path to advancing policy from a minority position.
"I have been in the minority every time I've been in the legislature and yet I've still had some legislative success," Niello said. "I attribute that to relationships that I develop. I have very good relationships with Democrats, as well as my Republican colleagues. When you know somebody on a friendly basis, it makes it a lot easier to find areas of policy overlap."
Schiff Meets Farmers Over Farm Bill
Sen. Adam Schiff visited a rice field in Northern California to hear farmers' input on the upcoming federal farm bill. While lawmakers across parties may agree on many provisions, Schiff highlighted a sharp divide over proposed cuts to food assistance programs.
"It's obviously bad for families that are hungry. It's also bad for farmers because that food comes from California," Schiff said, warning that reductions to food aid could harm both vulnerable households and the agricultural economy.
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