A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) showed an improved image of Governor Gavin Newsom. In February 2025, 52% of California adults, registered voters, and likely voters surveyed approved of his performance.
This is a remarkable improvement since October 2024, when only 44% of respondents approved his work.
Notwithstanding this favorable shift, Californians still worry about the state’s trajectory. According to the same survey, 54% assert that California is headed in the wrong direction, a trend of pessimism that persisted until 2024. Other issues are considered more pressing by most Californians, namely the economy, as 69% think that within a year, they might run into some financial trouble.
A Partisan Divide in Approval Ratings
There is a caveat to Newcom’s better standing—the approval gains were mainly due to Democrats and independents, with no change among Republican sentiments.
Among Democratic respondents, his approval ratings jumped from 69% in October to 79% in the current survey. Independents have also warmed up to Newsom, whose approval figure rose from 38% to 43%. However, only 9% of Republicans approve of his administration’s activities, which hasn’t changed much.
The differences concerning regions and demographics show the partisan divide quite starkly. Newsom’s most substantial support flows from traditionally liberal strongholds like Los Angeles (61%) and the San Francisco Bay Area (54%).
In comparison, those numbers fall off concerning Orange/San Diego (48%), the Inland Empire (46%), and the Central Valley (46%).
There are racial and ethnic fault lines as well that follow party preferences, such as Latino (62%) and Black (59%). Californians show more approval than Asian (48%) and white (45%) residents.
Crisis Leadership in the Wake of Wildfires
Newsom’s handling of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January has played a key role in his approval boost. The governor swiftly collaborated with local leaders and residents, demonstrating proactive crisis management. His bipartisan efforts were particularly notable when he met with then-President Trump in late January to tour fire damage, setting aside political differences for disaster relief.
Newsom also sought federal support by traveling to Washington, DC, in early February, just before the PPIC survey was conducted. His response resonated with Californians, 71% of whom view wildfires as a serious threat in their region.
Budget Surplus Brings Unexpected Good News
After consecutive years of budget deficits, Newsom announced a surprising $16.5 billion revenue surplus in his 2025–2026 fiscal proposal. The additional funds allowed for increased investment in K-12 education, health, and human services, the top two state spending priorities identified by residents.
His plan also allocates bond funds for wildfire prevention, a move supported by 70% of Californians. Crucially, the proposal does not introduce new taxes, a relief in a state where less than half of residents favor higher taxes for expanded government services.
A Non-Election Year Provides Political Breathing Room
While in 2024, Newsom was seen actively campaigning for Democratic candidates across the country, the year 2025 has found him directing his energies more toward governance than electoral matters.
With term limits forbidding another run in 2026, Newsom’s embrace of some bipartisan cooperation and policy solutions seems to have fueled a recovery in his approval ratings. By avoiding overt partisan warfare, Newsom has cast himself as a result-oriented leader without political posturing.
The Road Ahead
Despite improvements to Newsom’s approval ratings, outside forces may still affect his standing, such as economic recessions, rapid inflation increases, or new budget deficits that could cause people to lose confidence in him quickly. Frustration is already beginning to build over slow recovery progress from wildfires, while polarizing issues like transgender sports participation have already ignited controversy.
