Since Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, the Democratic Party has appeared to operate under the assumption that it is still 2016, as they struggle to innovate beyond their established playbook.
However, recent polling indicates that California voters, even in this traditionally blue bastion, are starting to tire of the Democratic narrative.
Political leaders are expected to propose pragmatic solutions and foster compromise; instead, the Democrats seem to be fixated on outrage and protests, which are beginning to wear thin on the electorate.
As reported by Politico:
California voters have Trump-resistance fatigue, poll finds
In a juxtaposition of California voters and the political elite shaping the state’s direction, the electorate shows a marked preference for a more conciliatory approach towards the White House. Furthermore, there is a growing division among voters regarding critical issues such as immigration and climate change, where Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers have pushed for ambitious progressive measures that clash with presidential policies.
A significant portion of voters expresses skepticism towards legal immigration, and fewer than half support California’s right to impose its stringent vehicle emissions standards, a power the state has exercised for over fifty years.
The findings illustrate a disconnect between the policymaking class and the voting populace in a state that has historically leaned Democratic, particularly as Trump gained notable traction in 2024 amid widespread dissatisfaction with crime rates and the steep cost of living. Interestingly, registered Democrats, who make up almost half of the electorate, remain more enthusiastic about progressive policies and are keen to confront Trump’s administration.
Ed Morrissey from Hot Air provided an insightful analysis on this trend:
This shift may reflect a growing awareness among voters—even in staunchly blue California—about the intellectual and moral vacuity of the so-called La Résistance. The initial wave of Democratic resistance was built on the unfounded claim that Trump’s presidency was illegitimate due to “Russia collusion.” Voters eventually recognized that claim as a fabrication, orchestrated by Hillary Clinton’s operatives and backed by Barack Obama’s FBI.
This time, the legitimacy of Trump’s victory is indisputable, as he decisively defeated Kamala Harris, winning both the popular and Electoral College votes—marking the first GOP candidate to achieve this in two decades.
Currently, the Democrats are grappling with historically low approval ratings. If they wish to see these numbers plummet even further, continuing their current strategy seems to be the way to go.
