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The day that launched Gavin Newsom as a presidential frontrunner also brought an unwelcome surprise that could haunt the California governor's potential 2028 campaign.
Why it matters: Sen. Alex Padilla caught Newsom off guard Nov. 4 by declaring he wouldn't run for governor — depriving Newsom of his preferred successor on the same day the governor triumphed in a statewide redistricting referendum.
The big picture: The winner of the California race matters a great deal for Newsom's campaign. His governance of the state — and Republican criticism of it — will be critical to a candidacy. He wants a competent governor whom he can work with in 2027 and 2028.
