Sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith says that California is sending a warning signal to Democrats nationwide.
“If people in a blue state like California are entertaining seriously about putting Republicans in charge gubernationally and mayorally, could you imagine what other states in this union are contemplating doing?” Smith said Tuesday on The Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM.
Smith argued that growing voter frustration in California, a state long considered a Democratic stronghold, should alarm Democratic leaders across the country.
Many Californians have voiced concerns regarding the cost of living, fuel prices, taxes, and overall affordability and have begun demanding change from political leadership.
“Could you imagine what an indictment that is against Democrats everywhere?” he said.
California has been a Democratic fortress for decades. Democrats have maintained the majority of the state’s legislature since 1996, when Republicans last controlled the California Assembly.
As Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt gain traction, California is shaping up to be a closely watched political test case during the 2026 primaries.
“These are Republicans in a blue state like California,” Smith said. “And right now you’re seeing the names of two Republicans making noise as if they’re about to be the next governor and the next mayor of the state of California in the city of Los Angeles,” Smith said.
Smith also criticized California’s current leadership, pointing to prominent Democrats like Gov. Gavin Newsom(D-CA) and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Newsom, who has served as governor since 2019, has been viewed as one of the Democratic Party’s most visible figures and is now a potential 2028 presidential candidate. However, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times, California voters believe that Newsom is channeling his energy into his presidential ambitions rather than focusing on the state’s internal issues.
Bass has also faced scrutiny over homelessness and public safety concerns. As homelessness has been the most visible concern for Los Angeles residents, Bass has stated that addressing the crisis is her main priority.
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Smith argued that voters are now responding less to political ideology and more to everyday economic pressures, suggesting that Democratic messaging often fails to connect with voters.
“Play to win,” Smith said. “Talk about affordability. Talk about crime. Talk about homelessness. Talk about inflationary concerns. Talk about the kind of things that affect the American people’s wallet because that’s what they care about. ”