Gov. Gavin Newsom goes full-Trump on merchandizing front

Gov. Gavin Newsom has jumped into the Trump-inspired swag game to raise money for his redistricting push in California, and mock the commander-in-chief’s unorthodox style.

After assuming a Trump-esque persona on social media, Mr. Newsom is now doling out “Newsom Was Right About Everything!” baseball caps, “Trump Is Not Hot” tank tops, and Holy Bibles signed by the Democrat, which, according to his “Patriot Shop” website, are sold out.

“We have sold almost $200,000 worth of merchandise in the last 24 hours so these items are moving fast and the great news is that all proceeds will go toward pushing back against Donald Trump’s attempts to rig our elections and take total control,” Mr. Newsom said in a fundraising email Monday.

Mr. Newsom is leading the Democratic pushback against the Trump-led efforts in Texas and elsewhere to redraw congressional maps before the midterm elections that seek to help the GOP defend its slim majority.

California Democrats voted to give voters the chance to decide whether they would like state lawmakers to approve new maps that would counteract the changes made in Texas, which are expected to net Republicans five seats in Washington.

Mr. Newsom’s willingness to take the fight to Mr. Trump—and troll him relentlessly—has led some political observers to declare him the early frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. 

“Many people are saying this is the greatest merchandise in the history of politics!” Mr. Newsom said in the fundraising email, echoing familiar Trump refrain. “Many people are saying it will bring a whole new meaning to “MAGA!”

“So nice!” he said.