Hollywood’s elite donors are mobilizing their checkbooks for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential run, even as their own studios flee the state and celebrity endorsements proved worthless in the last election cycle.
Story Overview
- Major Hollywood producers and Democratic fundraisers are writing “big checks” for Newsom’s potential 2028 campaign
- Celebrity endorsements failed spectacularly in 2024, with Harris losing despite massive Hollywood support
- At least 54 of Newsom’s past top donors have not contributed to his current Prop 50 campaign, signaling donor inconsistency
- California faces mounting crises including wildfire preparedness failures and ongoing production departures from the state
The Hollywood Money Machine Revs Up Again
James Costos, a longtime Democratic insider, confirms what political strategists suspected: “Enthusiasm by L.A. donors is very strong and very encouraging. Big checks are being written.” The entertainment industry’s donor class recovered from early hesitancy following Trump’s 2024 landslide victory and now positions itself behind California’s combative governor. Political strategist Mathew Littman emphasizes the importance of early relationship-building, noting successful campaigns require establishing donor networks well before formal announcements.
Yet this enthusiasm carries an undercurrent of uncertainty. Even major producers acknowledge there isn’t “a consensus yet on who the best candidate will be in ’28,” despite many preparing to board “the Newsom train” should momentum build. The disconnect between public confidence and private hedging reveals the calculated nature of Hollywood’s political investments.
When Celebrity Endorsements Meet Reality
The 2024 election delivered a brutal lesson about celebrity influence in American politics. Chart-topping musicians, Oscar winners, and online influencers threw their weight behind Kamala Harris, generating headlines and social media buzz. Multiple post-election analyses found these endorsements had little impact on voter behavior, as Trump secured a decisive victory despite Hollywood’s unified opposition.
This reality check raises fundamental questions about the strategy now being deployed for Newsom. Hollywood’s donor class either believes Newsom possesses unique appeal that transcends celebrity endorsements, or they’re preparing to repeat a demonstrably failed approach. The entertainment industry’s willingness to invest heavily despite recent evidence of their limited electoral influence suggests either stubborn optimism or strategic miscalculation.
California Dreaming Meets Governing Reality
Newsom’s presidential aspirations face the inconvenient truth of his home state’s mounting challenges. California struggles with persistent homelessness, infrastructure strain, and public safety concerns tied to encampments and drug use. The January 2025 LA Wildfires exposed major preparedness gaps, revealing serious weaknesses in disaster readiness that directly affected Hollywood communities supporting his ambitions.
The governor has earned entertainment industry support by signing AI-related bills protecting actors’ digital likenesses and fighting deepfakes in political ads. These measures address Hollywood’s concerns about artificial intelligence threatening their livelihoods, creating regulatory alignment that translates into political capital. However, this industry-specific appeal may not resonate with voters facing broader economic and social challenges across the nation.
The Donor Loyalty Problem
Cracks in Newsom’s support structure emerged in recent reporting showing at least 54 of his past top donors have not contributed to the Prop 50 campaign. This absence suggests potential fractures in the donor coalition, even as public statements emphasize enthusiasm and momentum. The inconsistency between past financial support and current giving patterns raises questions about sustained commitment to Newsom’s political future.
Hollywood’s investment strategy reflects a curious paradox: while entertainment executives enthusiastically support Newsom for president, their own studios and production partners relocate work elsewhere. This disconnect between political enthusiasm and economic confidence undermines the credibility of their endorsement. If Hollywood lacks faith in California’s business environment, national voters may question why they should trust California’s governor with the presidency.
Sources:
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