The California Democratic Party’s premiere event will have two notable no-shows

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, prominent Democrats, have chosen not to attend California’s state party convention this weekend despite being invited, sparking speculation about their political futures as potential 2028 presidential candidates. Their absence is seen as a missed opportunity for campaigning ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with analysts noting little benefit from attending but possible downsides like backlash or criticism over recent statements on gender equality and allies. Additionally, other Democrats suggest these events often elicit mixed reactions from attendees, adding uncertainty to Newsom and Harris’ decisions in a competitive political landscape.