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On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom became emotional while unveiling a new initiative aimed at enlisting more young men into the state’s Service Corps.
“Please excuse me, this is a bit embarrassing,” he remarked, his eyes filling with tears. “We need to shut out all the noise and focus on this—this is the solution,” he said, as he wiped his tears.
“We’re caught in a cycle of shouting and conflict, everyone’s at each other’s throats, trying to tear one another down. How do we move forward? This is the way,” he passionately stated.
The governor’s heartfelt moment came as he discussed plans to create 10,000 new paid roles within the state’s service force. These roles will focus on crucial areas such as disaster response, climate action, education, and community service.
This initiative is part of a broader executive order aimed at supporting young men, which Newsom highlighted during a summit held on Wednesday.
Newsom said he was exceptionally proud but noted how cheesy his feelings might appear, at one point telling the young people behind him, “Look at me, I’m like a kid now.”
“I’m proud of the program and I’m proud of all you guys for being a part of it and for inspiring me,” he said. “It’s so obvious what we need to do. I’m just deeply proud of this.”
The Democratic governor has been on a public spree of appearances over the past few years, trying to win back young men, a constituency that shifted toward the political right since President Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Newsom has appeared alongside figures like Scott Galloway and Richard Reeves, notable figures who have advocated for young men.
He’s made multiple mentions of his executive order targeting young men, including in his State of the State speech this year.
“When we support boys and men, we strengthen families and communities across the board. California is empowering them to find a voice, opportunity and a sense of purpose,” Newsom said in a statement Wednesday.
The governor’s efforts to give men “purpose” come as he’s speculated to run for president in 2028, where the young male vote could have influence — as it did in 2024.