Stephen A. Smith issues brutal verdict on Democratic presidential hopeful Gavin Newsom

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Stephen A. Smith has told California governor Gavin Newsom to give up any hopes he has of becoming president of the United States.

Newsom is currently third favorite to move into the White House following the 2028 election, according to some bookmakers.

The 57-year-old has been governor of the Golden state since 2019 and previously served as mayor of San Francisco.

Newsom was tipped by some to take over as the Democratic candidate following Joe Biden's decision to pull out of the 2024 race, only for Kamala Harris to lose to Donald Trump.

'I like Gavin Newsom. He looks the part. He looks presidential in those damn blue suits, no doubt about it. He's sharp as a tack. He's smart as hell,' Smith said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. 

But Newsom has come in for criticism over recent months over his handling of the LA wildfires. There have also been issues with homelessness and crime in California.

Stephen A. Smith has told Gavin Newsom to give up any hopes he has of becoming president

Newsom has been governor of California since 2019 and was previously San Francisco mayor

And the ESPN star, who has teased his own run for the White House, told Newsom: 'There is no doubt, respectfully, Mr. Governor of California, that your record won’t hold the muster.' 

'That’s why you got a podcast. We keep inviting you on this show — still waiting, still waiting.'

Smith continued: 'Here’s the reality, sir: with the homelessness, with the crime, with the cost of living in California, I can’t imagine Gavin Newsom winning a presidential election with what is going on in the state of California. Period.'

He added: 'Even though it may not have been your mistake — because natural disasters happen — the first words out of your mouth can’t be, "It’s a local problem, not a state problem",' Smith continued. 

'And then you show up on "Real Time with Bill Maher" months later, and you’re saying, "Hey, we got to own up to our mistakes". Californians don’t believe you... at all!”'

Newsom recently launched a podcast - 'This is Gavin Newsom' - and has interviewed conservative figures including Steve Bannon.

Newsom told Maher last month that the Democrat's brand was 'toxic' and that the party 'talk down' to voters. 'That's what we were all saying leading up to the election!' Smith told him.