Democrats have become obsessed with Gavin Newsom, as the California governor becomes the topic for operatives, donors and lawmakers.

Newsom is consistently driving the news cycle and is coming up in town halls, fundraisers, and in conversations outside political circles.

While the 2028 presidential election is still more than three years away, Newsom is making the kind of name for himself that could lead to front-runner status, political operatives say.

Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons said Newsom's name is coming up more than anyone else in recent weeks, particularly with people outside the political sphere.

“They ask me two questions: Do you think he can win? And do you think he can be the guy?” Simmons said. “No one has ever asked me a single policy question about him."

“A lot of Democrats think this might be the time for a more traditional choice and Newsom fits the bill,” Simmons added. "They just want a winner. They have this mindset of 'Let's just win and we'll sort out the politics later.'”

Since November’s election, Democrats have been desperate for someone in their party to step into the void and take on President Trump and Republicans. Newsom is winning hearts by playing the happy warrior at a time when the party........

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