Hollywood’s Early Embrace of Gavin Newsom for 2028

In the aftermath of a disappointing 2024 election cycle for Democrats, Hollywood’s power players are already setting their sights on the 2028 presidential race, with California Governor Gavin Newsom emerging as an early favorite among the entertainment industry’s elite. According to a recent Deadline report, Newsom is cultivating significant support from influential Hollywood donors, many of whom are drawn to his combative approach toward Donald Trump and his willingness to fight aggressively for Democratic causes. “He’s a fighter, that’s what we need!” exclaimed one prominent producer described as a “reliable Dem ATM over the decades.” This sentiment appears to be spreading throughout Hollywood’s political circles, with many industry leaders expressing admiration for Newsom’s refusal to back down from political confrontations and his embrace of modern communication platforms to reach voters.

Newsom’s political style has earned him particular praise among entertainment industry figures who have grown frustrated with what they perceive as insufficient pushback from Democratic congressional leadership. His successful advocacy for Proposition 50, which redistricted California in favor of Democrats to counter similar Republican efforts in Texas, resonated strongly with progressive Hollywood. “Donald Trump poked the bear. And the bear roared back,” Newsom declared after the victory. Even typically critical voices like HBO’s Bill Maher have expressed newfound respect for the governor. One agency executive admitted, “I’ll admit, I didn’t see it in him, and I’ve met him a number of times, but Newsom has really impressed me the way he’s taken Trump on, the jabs.” This growing enthusiasm comes as Newsom himself has opened the door to a potential presidential run, stating in October that he would consider seeking the presidency after the 2026 midterm elections.

The financial backing from Hollywood appears to be materializing already, despite the election being nearly four years away. Former Obama administration US Ambassador to Spain and HBO executive James Costos noted the “strong enthusiasm” from Los Angeles donors, stating that “Big checks are being written.” Costos described a “slow build” following the November 2024 loss that has gained momentum through various events, legal victories, and growing resistance to the incoming administration. Another “big donor producer” told Deadline that industry figures who “really matter” are eager to secure their place on “the Newsom train” before it potentially takes off. This early financial mobilization could provide Newsom with a crucial advantage in what is expected to be a crowded and competitive Democratic primary field in 2028.

However, not all of Hollywood’s Democratic donors are fully committed to Newsom at this early stage. Several sources in the Deadline report expressed reservations, noting that many potential donors are still evaluating their options with nearly four years remaining before the next presidential primary season begins in earnest. The Democratic field is anticipated to feature numerous prominent contenders, potentially including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and perhaps even 2024 nominee Kamala Harris. This crowded field of diverse candidates could complicate Newsom’s path to securing universal support from Hollywood’s influential donor base, despite his geographical advantage and existing relationships within the industry.

Newsom’s California roots present both advantages and potential challenges for a presidential campaign. While his proximity to Hollywood gives him unparalleled access to the entertainment industry’s financial resources and cultural influence, it also raises questions about his electability in a general election. The bitter defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris, another California Democrat, in the 2024 election has prompted some within the party to question whether nominating a candidate from a reliably blue state represents a strategic risk. California’s Democratic dominance—no Republican presidential candidate has won the state since George H.W. Bush in 1988—means that Newsom lacks experience appealing to voters in the competitive swing states that ultimately decide presidential elections.

Despite these potential concerns, Newsom’s early momentum among Hollywood donors indicates that he has established himself as a serious contender for the 2028 Democratic nomination. His willingness to engage in direct political combat with Republican opponents, combined with his embrace of modern communication strategies and his successful record as governor of America’s most populous state, has positioned him as a formidable candidate in the eyes of many entertainment industry power players. Whether this early enthusiasm from Hollywood translates into broader support among Democratic voters nationwide remains to be seen, but it provides Newsom with a substantial foundation upon which to build should he decide to launch a presidential campaign after the 2026 midterms. As one Hollywood executive noted, the race for the White House in 2028 is already quietly underway, and Newsom appears to be among those leading the pack in these earliest stages.