Column: Voices from Nevada on a prospective Newsom presidential bid. In a word, no

Column: Voices from Nevada on a prospective Newsom presidential bid. In a word, no
Subscribe to our newsletter

1

Nevada will play a key role in the 2024 presidential race, as a major battleground and one of the first states to vote when Democrats choose their presidential nominee.

Despite his repeated objections, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is often mentioned as a possible alternative to President Biden.

But a series of interviews in and around Las Vegas, where most Nevada voters live, found no support for a Newsom candidacy and not a lot of California love.

Here are some of those voters discussing the governor, why they oppose him replacing Biden as Democrats’ 2024 nominee and thoughts on the state next door.

2

Michele Hoffman, 66, retired college administrator, Henderson Democrat

“I don’t know that much about [Newsom], although I don’t think the country as a whole would get behind him. He’s California. He’s got that California stigma. I’m from Missouri, from a very conservative area, and I don’t think he would get the support from the rest of the country that he would need to beat Joe Biden.”

3

David Mulcrone, 52, salesman, Henderson Democrat

“I generally like Biden as a person. He’s too old. But the Democrats didn’t put themselves in a position to put anyone else forward. … I think [Newsom’s] policies were too liberal and that kind of laid the foundation for why S.F. is the mess it is now.”

4

Michelle Munk, 62, skin care specialist, Henderson Republican

Newsom “is a sleaze bag. Look what he’s doing to California. I have friends in California. Half of California is leaving.”

Michelle Munk of Henderson, Nev

Michelle Munk of Henderson, Nev., is no Newsom fan.

(Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

5

Linda Carter, 74, retired schoolteacher, Las Vegas Republican

“California’s ruined. I’m a small-government conservative. I think we need strong military and strong borders and families have the right to judge how to spend their own money. … We don’t need people telling us we can’t drink the Big Slurpee.”

Courtney Pruitt of Las Vegas is leaning toward Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

(Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

6

Courtney Pruitt, 35, antiques dealer, Las Vegas Democrat

“We go to L.A. a lot for work. I think it’s crazy he kept stuff shut down as long as he did. I think he made it too long and he really screwed over a lot of people. … I’m leaning toward Robert Kennedy Jr. He just seems younger and more down to earth.”

7

Ian Flashner, 52, equipment salesman, Las Vegas Democrat

“I like Gavin Newsom. He seems like a smart, younger guy. Has his act together for the most part. … But I don’t begrudge Biden his age, and that’s mostly what this is about. If he was 10 years younger, nobody would say a word.”

Ian Flashner of Las Vegas likes Newsom, but doesn’t see a need for Biden to stand aside.

(Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

8

Tim Foley, 49, business owner, Las Vegas Republican

Newsom “is a charlatan. This guy is moronic. He’s an absolute liar. I watched his debate with [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis and was disgusted. Everything he said was a flat-out lie.”

9

Cindy Manchee, 65, retired corporate manager, Henderson Democrat

“He’s really, really too liberal. He’s never going to get the independents, and I don’t think he’s done that great a job in California. The state’s in bad financial condition. The roads are terrible when you visit. It’s too expensive.”

Read More