California Governor Gavin Newsom has openly praised the way conservative activist Charlie Kirk connected with young men, while pointing out that his own party has not made the same effort.
Newsom Acknowledges Charlie Kirk’s Reach
He said Democrats “have not invested as much energy as they should in this space,” adding that ignoring the issue has been a mistake.
The governor’s comments came during an event where he launched a new program. This initiative calls for 10,000 young men to volunteer as mentors, tutors, and coaches through state and nonprofit organizations.
He spoke at a high school gym and later in a weight room, symbolically choosing spaces where many young men gather. There, he described how the problem has been worsening, especially in online spaces. “We have an epidemic of loneliness, and so much of that is manifesting and metastasizing online in very profound and consequential ways,” Newsom said.
The remarks also touched on the recent killing of Charlie Kirk, which shook campuses and sparked nationwide attention. A 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder in that case. Newsom referred to the tragedy as further evidence of the deep social struggles young men are facing.
Gavin Newsom Praises a Political Opponent
What made Gavin Newsom’s speech stand out was his decision to highlight the outreach success of a political opponent. He explained that conservatives had been more effective in engaging young men, especially during the last election, when they ran targeted campaigns to win the so-called “bro vote.”
“I thought the response from our side was mixed or muted,” Newsom admitted. “And I thought that was a mistake. I still do.”
He shared that Charlie Kirk was the very first guest on his podcast, noting how much influence the activist had in reaching young audiences. Newsom said Kirk’s ability to mobilize college students and create dialogue was something worth recognizing.
Stadiums fall silent as NFL, MLB, college football, and UFC remember Charlie Kirk
The governor also revealed a personal moment connected to this. When his son met Charlie Kirk during the podcast taping, he asked for a photo with him. After hearing about the tragic shooting, his son later called him from school, worried and asking if Kirk was still alive.
Such moments, Newsom explained, show how powerful these connections can be. He believes that neglecting to engage with young men leaves a gap that others will continue to fill if Democrats do not step in.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Focus on Masculinity
This is not the first time Gavin Newsom has spoken about the challenges men and boys face. In 2015, he appeared in a documentary on masculinity directed by his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. More recently, he signed an executive order aimed at supporting young men, which led to the creation of the current volunteer initiative.
At the event, Newsom criticized the hesitation within his party to focus directly on the needs of boys and men. “We have a crisis of men and boys in this country,” he said. “For decades, we have ignored it. Many have been afraid to step in.
Some thought helping men and boys meant taking away from gender equality. But it is not a zero-sum game. Supporting men and boys is also a step to support society as a whole.”
He stressed that boys and young men today are dealing with intense social pressures and feelings of disconnection. Online spaces, he said, often become breeding grounds for those emotions to spiral. By encouraging mentorship, sports coaching, and tutoring, Newsom hopes to create healthier outlets where young men can find guidance and purpose.
Through his initiative, Newsom is pushing for more involvement from communities, schools, and organizations to help young men feel seen and supported. His call for volunteers is an attempt to counter both the rising loneliness crisis and the political neglect of this demographic.
