Newsom's China trip reignites rumblings of a 'shadow campaign' as crises multiply on Biden's watch

A House Republican from California told Fox News Digital that Newsom is the 'backup quarterback' for Biden in 2024

Andrew Mark Miller /  Fox News

 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was in China meeting with CCP President Xi Jinping earlier this week leading many to wonder, including a congressman from his own state, whether he is running a "shadow" campaign for president in case Democrats ultimately look for an alternative to President Biden as crises pile up on his watch at home and abroad.

The California Democrat met with Xi and other Chinese officials as part of a week-long trip he said was aimed at discussing the threat of climate change and "renewing our friendship and reengaging (on) foundational and fundamental issues that will determine our collective faith in the future."

Newsom faced criticism as a result of his trip from people who said that homelessness, crime, and fentanyl are more pressing problems in the Golden State and one GOP congressman spoke both to Fox News Digital and through a social media post to suggest Newsom has the presidency on his mind via a "shadow campaign." See video here.