State of Gold Newsom's at 56% but 54% Want New Ideas - The Poll That Makes No Sense | Joel Fox
Guest
Joel Fox, "On California" Publisher
Guest Bio
Joel Fox is one of California’s most respected policy voices, known for his leadership of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, his work on Prop 13, and his longtime role as publisher of Fox & Hounds. With decades of experience in Sacramento, Joel served as a senior advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and remains a go-to analyst on elections, tax reform, and political strategy.
Show Summary
Joel Fox passed away shortly after this episode was recorded. His decades of service to California politics, policy, and public discourse left an enduring legacy. We’re honored to share one of his final interviews.
Why has California become politically uncompetitive — and what will it take to turn things around? In this conversation, Joel Fox unpacks the rise of one-party rule, the collapse of Republican unity, and why policies like Prop 13 still matter nearly 50 years later.
He also shares insights from his time with Governor Schwarzenegger, discusses the uphill battle Rick Caruso faces in LA, and explains why the “new direction” voters crave might be closer than it seems — if the right candidates step up.
Chapters
00:00 – Why California’s One-Party Rule Is Failing
01:50 – How Republicans Can Win Again
03:00 – Stop the In-Fighting: 80% Allies Aren’t Enemies
04:40 – The Legacy & Future of Prop 13
07:58 – Working With Schwarzenegger: A Tax Story
09:00 – Can Rick Caruso Win LA Mayor in 2026?
11:30 – The Unexpected Poll Finding on Newsom
12:25 – Caruso vs. Buetner in the Westside Primary
12:50 – Rapid Fire: Fixing Representation
13:20 – What Makes Joel Hopeful
13:46 – California Is… “Dominant”
Connect with Joel Fox
- Substack: https://joelfox1.substack.com/
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