California Governor Gavin Newsom 's popularity has increased in recent months, new polling shows. According to polling by Emerson College, Newsom's net popularity has increased from -11 percentage points in December 2025 to +2 percentage points in March 2026. It is news that will surely buoy the Democratic governor as his party approaches competitive midterm elections and amid rumors of a potential presidential run. Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office via email for comment. Newsom's