California Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism on Tuesday after a video clip circulated online that some observers described as racist.

The 45‑second clip, taken from a press conference in Sacramento on Jan. 12, shows Newsom saying that “immigrants are coming in and changing the culture of our neighborhoods,” a remark that critics argue uses inflammatory language.

What the Right Is Saying

California Republican Party Chair Vanessa Delgado said Newsom should be embarrassed, calling the remarks “racist” and “divisive,” and argued that the governor’s comments “pit Californians against each other.”

State Senator Brian Jones echoed Delgado’s criticism, stating that the governor’s language reflects “a broader pattern of anti‑immigrant rhetoric that undermines our communities.”

What the Left Is Saying

Governor Newsom’s office issued a statement saying the clip was edited out of context and that his full remarks emphasized the need for a humane immigration policy, noting that he also said the state must “welcome newcomers while ensuring public safety.”

California Democratic Party Chair Alex Gallardo called the GOP’s attack “a political stunt” and said the governor’s record on immigration shows “a commitment to protecting families and workers.”

What the Numbers Show

A Public Policy Institute of California poll released Feb. 15 found 42% of registered voters said they believed Newsom’s immigration policies were too lenient, while 38% said they were appropriate.

Analytics from SocialBlade indicate the clip has been viewed more than 2.3 million times on YouTube and shared over 1.1 million times across social‑media platforms.

According to a July 2025 survey by the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, Newsom’s overall approval rating stands at 45%, down from 51% in 2023.

The Bottom Line

The dispute highlights the ongoing partisan battle over immigration policy in California and underscores how edited video clips can shape public perception of elected officials.