California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly criticized the Democratic Party, describing its brand as “toxic” during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher.

Newsom's comments reflect growing concerns within the party as he suggested that Democrats need to reassess their approach and attitude toward both voters and the political landscape.

Speaking candidly about the state of his party, Newsom took aim at the Democrats for being too “judgmental,” pointing out that such behavior has hurt their appeal.

The governor’s remarks come as the Democratic Party struggles with low favorability ratings, especially in light of recent polling.

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Newsom highlighted a significant drop in the party’s approval, citing a CNN poll showing just 29 percent favorability, followed by an even lower 27 percent in a subsequent NBC poll.

"The Democratic brand is toxic right now," Newsom said, acknowledging the difficulties the party faces as it attempts to recover from these setbacks.

“They had a high watermark two weeks ago,” Newsom continued.

“It’s one thing to make noise, but you also have to make sense.”

The governor's comments indicate his frustration with the party's messaging and strategy, which he believes needs to evolve to regain public trust.

In the same interview, Newsom turned his attention to the Republican Party, acknowledging their success in recent political battles.

"These guys are crushing us," he said, recognizing that the GOP has gained significant traction in both policy and public perception.

Gavin Newsom says the 'Democratic brand' is 'toxic right now' and they're not going to fix it by refusing to talk to Republicans and protesting

'These guys are crushing us, the Democratic brand is toxic right now' pic.twitter.com/h7KgS30n1f — Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 29, 2025

The remarks came as part of a broader discussion about the state of American politics and how the parties are navigating the challenges following the 2024 election cycle.

In an effort to reach a broader audience, Newsom has been using his new podcast as a platform to engage with Republicans and those outside of his typical base.

The podcast has featured high-profile conservative figures such as War Room host Steve Bannon and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Newsom framed these discussions as opportunities to find common ground with people he disagrees with.

"I think with this podcast and having the opportunity to dialog with people I disagree with, it’s an opportunity to try to find common ground and not take cheap shots," Newsom explained.

He emphasized that dialogue, rather than division, is crucial for bridging gaps between the political parties.

Addressing the more divisive aspects of modern Democratic politics, Newsom also expressed concern about the party’s role in supporting cancel culture.

“We need to own up to that,” he said, acknowledging the influence of cancel culture within the party.

His comments reflect growing internal debate within the Democratic Party about its approach to free speech, accountability, and public discourse.

Newsom's criticism of his own party and his outreach to conservative voices have sparked speculation about his future political ambitions, with many believing he may be positioning himself for a run for president in 2024.

Despite his comments about the toxicity of the Democratic brand, Newsom's willingness to engage with Republicans and acknowledge his party’s faults signals a potential shift in strategy as he navigates the complexities of national politics.

As the Democratic Party faces its challenges in the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections, Newsom’s remarks highlight the ongoing internal struggle over its direction.

Whether his efforts to reach out to Republicans and promote dialogue will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but his actions suggest a desire to move beyond the party’s current polarization and find ways to connect with a wider range of Americans.

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