During his Granite State stop boosting the fading fortunes of President Joe Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was spotted chatting up the would-be governor of New Hampshire, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.
But when asked if she shares Newsom’s view that Democrats should stick with Biden as their nominee, Craig declined to answer the question.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) talks to former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig during a swing through New Hampshire on July 8, 2024.
Newsom made a high-profile trip to New Hampshire, part of a barnstorming tour of states believed to be in play, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. The New York Times calls him “perhaps Mr. Biden’s most effusively loyal ally.”
“He’s had our back for decades, and that’s how I was raised,” Newsom told Granite State Democrats, adding: “Joe Biden is our nominee, he’s our president…And I look forward to voting for him.”
Does the former Manchester mayor, who was endorsed by Biden in 2017, feel the same?
Craig declined to respond to multiple requests for comment. She is hardly alone. Craig’s opponent in the Democratic primary, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, is also refusing to answer questions about whether she believes Biden has the capacity to serve another four-year term.
One of the Republicans running for governor, former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, released the photo of Craig and Newsom, labeling the mayor “California Craig.”
“Failed Manchester Mayor turned candidate for Governor Joyce Craig was spotted yesterday with California Governor Gavin Newsom during his visit to the Granite State to sell disastrous progressive policies,” Ayotte’s campaign said.
And Ayotte campaign spokesman John Corbett added, “It’s about time that Joyce found someone who can compete with her horrible record on out-of-control spending, homelessness, crime, and sanctuary cities. Voters are rejecting Craig’s crazy policies because they belong in California, not New Hampshire.”
Americans for Prosperity Regional Director Greg Moore also had a message for Newsom.
“When it comes to freedom, California has a lot to learn. While Governor Newsom is in town, he should take notes. New Hampshire is the freest state in the nation with more and more people moving to capitalize on the New Hampshire Advantage. By contrast, California ranks near the bottom at 48. California could take a few cues from the Granite State—starting with reducing nanny state regulations, reducing taxes, and cutting back wasteful government spending.
“We hope Governor Newsome enjoys his visit and is inspired to implement the key pillars of the New Hampshire Advantage in his home state—especially before he aspires to any higher office.”
