Newsom's at 56% but 54% Want New Ideas - The Poll That Makes No Sense | Joel Fox
Newsom's at 56% but 54% Want New Ideas - The Poll That Makes No Sense | Joel Fox  
Podcast: State of Gold
Published On: Tue Jan 20 2026
Description: GuestJoel Fox, "On California" PublisherGuest 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 SummaryJoel 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.Chapters00:00 – Why California’s One-Party Rule Is Failing01:50 – How Republicans Can Win Again03:00 – Stop the In-Fighting: 80% Allies Aren’t Enemies04:40 – The Legacy & Future of Prop 1307:58 – Working With Schwarzenegger: A Tax Story09:00 – Can Rick Caruso Win LA Mayor in 2026?11:30 – The Unexpected Poll Finding on Newsom12:25 – Caruso vs. Buetner in the Westside Primary12:50 – Rapid Fire: Fixing Representation13:20 – What Makes Joel Hopeful13:46 – California Is… “Dominant”Connect with Joel FoxSubstack: https://joelfox1.substack.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com