Gavin Newsom Dodges Disaster: Postpones 'State Of The State' Address

This abrupt cancellation comes amidst growing concerns about his leadership and the perception that his influence may be waning.

Newsom's decision to postpone his State of the State address coincides with the uncertain fate of his mental health measure from the March 5 primary ballot, which is currently leading but still remains undecided. Politico reported the postponement but did not provide a rescheduled date for the address.

March 17, 2024

The mental health measure in question is Proposition 1, a $6.4 billion general obligation bond measure presented as a compassionate solution to homelessness. As explained by Cal Matters, Proposition 1 is a two-part ballot initiative. It proposes a bond to construct treatment facilities and permanent supportive housing for individuals grappling with mental health and addiction issues. It also suggests changes to the Mental Health Services Act, a longstanding tax on personal incomes exceeding $1 million, by mandating counties to allocate 30% of the revenue to housing instead of other services.

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Newsom has been the prominent figure in the $21 million Yes on Prop 1 campaign, with opponents spending almost nothing in comparison. However, the measure's support has dwindled from 68 percent in December to 59 percent in February. A Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted a week before the election showed the measure with only 50 percent support, causing concern in the Yes on 1 camp. In response, Newsom embarked on a "barnstorming" tour.

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March 17, 2024

"Polling on this has been overwhelmingly positive, but polls don’t vote, people vote," Newsom stated during a get-out-the-vote rally in San Diego. This rally, which included the union United Domestic Workers, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other elected Democrats, was the first of four campaign events planned by Newsom leading up to Election Day on March 5.

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Despite these efforts, California continues to grapple with a significant budget deficit. Newsom is also being compelled to address the border crisis instigated by President Biden, as caravans of illegal immigrants are now crossing into California rather than Texas. The state's infrastructure deficits have been underscored by severe rainstorms causing mudslides and road failures. The potential rejection of his signature project, Proposition 1, on top of these issues, seems to be a burden too heavy for Newsom to bear publicly.

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The cancellation of Monday's speech presents a dual challenge for Newsom, both policy-wise and politically. Proposition 1 is integral to his broader agenda to address the dual crises of homelessness and housing. Its potential failure could severely undermine these plans, a setback Newsom appears unprepared to confront.

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Californians closely associate Newsom with Proposition 1, viewing it as a reflection of his homelessness agenda. A professional signature gatherer for ballot propositions, who interacts with voters daily, opined that Newsom's presence in the commercials led to a decline in support. As of press time, Yes on Prop 1 is leading by a mere 17,000 votes.

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Newsom's decision to cancel his State of the State address, which would have required him to defend the numerous crises plaguing the state, has been met with understanding. California physician Houman Hemmati, a regular on Fox News at Night, posted a parody "leaked final version" of Newsom's speech, suggesting that the governor might opt for a pre-recorded speech or a lengthy Twitter thread instead of a live address.