As I stood in line at the grocery store, I couldn’t help but overhear the heated conversation between the people in front of me. The topic? California’s Governor, and the growing frustration with his leadership – or lack of it.
It seemed everyone had an opinion on whether or not he would leave office as one of the state’s most unpopular governors, and it got me thinking about the impact of his tenure and the potential for change in the upcoming election.
Some California governors eventually stay too long, wearing thin on the voters nerves, and exit amid widespread disgrace. Unlike Ronald Reagan, who maintained popularity even after leaving office, Democrat Jerry Brown’s trajectory was different. Initial strong support dwindled due to failed presidential bids and other missteps, leading to a rejection in his 1982 U.S. Senate bid. Similar experiences were seen with Brown’s father, Pat Brown, who lost to Reagan in 1966 after seeking a third term.
After his Senate defeat, Jerry Brown expressed a desire for a break from politics. However, he later returned, winning two more gubernatorial terms, emphasizing the importance of how a governor leaves office. Brown’s first stint was marked by a constant desire for higher office and a lackluster record, while his second term involved fewer promises, their fulfillment, and active engagement.