Gavin Newsom Says He Stayed in Touch With Charlie Kirk After Podcast: ‘He Was Gracious’
California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed Tuesday that he and Charlie Kirk remained in contact after the Turning Point USA founder appeared on the governor’s podcast earlier this year, describing Kirk as “gracious” and reflecting on their civil engagement despite stark political differences.
“He was gracious enough to not only say yes — he flew out to do it in person,” Newsom said during a livestream conversation with progressive commentator Bryan Tyler Cohen. “I spent not just the hour-plus in a very civil conversation with Charlie, I spent time with him after, and we stayed in touch, including my team.”
The surprising remarks came during a three-hour digital rally initially planned as a campaign push but rebranded as a Voter Registration Day tribute following Kirk’s assassination last week at Utah Valley University.
Kirk had appeared in January as the debut guest on Newsom’s podcast This Is Gavin Newsom. The two clashed over numerous issues — most notably transgender athletes in women’s sports. During that discussion, Newsom, to the surprise of many progressives, agreed with Kirk’s stance, calling biological male participation in women’s sports “an issue of fairness” and “deeply unfair.” He even noted that his own children watched Kirk’s videos.
“Obviously, we have deep differences of opinion,” Newsom acknowledged Tuesday. “He was very offended by positions I hold dear, and I, in turn, very offended by things that he said. But the fact is, we had that opportunity to engage.”
Newsom’s comments stood out in an event otherwise focused on partisan messaging and redistricting battles. His campaign’s “FAFO 50” (an acronym for “F— Around and Find Out”) effort aims to counter what he calls “code red” threats from Republicans, especially around election reform and district maps. At the rally, Newsom and fellow Democrats claimed that President Donald Trump and his allies are undermining American institutions, from the Justice Department to higher education, and weaponizing dissent as “hate speech.”
“We need to win this,” Newsom declared. “Or we lose this republic, we lose this democracy.”
The governor’s tone, however, shifted noticeably when referencing Kirk — a frequent sparring partner with the left, but one Newsom appeared to regard with a degree of respect.
Kirk was shot and killed last Wednesday during his “American Comeback Tour,” an event series known for encouraging students of all political views to challenge him in open debate. Prosecutors say the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, espoused far-left political views and harbored an intense hatred for Kirk and his ideology. Robinson has been formally charged with aggravated murder.
Kirk’s death has shaken campuses across the country and prompted an outpouring of tributes — from allies like Vice President JD Vance, who called Kirk “a warrior for truth,” to unexpected voices like Newsom, who said simply, “It’s all at stake.”
Watch the full interview below: