A contender for the California governorship on the Democratic ticket has issued a stark critique of Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, diverging from others who have been hesitant to voice disapproval.

Betty Yee, who previously served as the state controller, expressed in a KCRA interview on Sunday that California has not adequately met the needs of its residents during Newsom’s tenure.

Yee highlighted Newsom’s relentless confrontations with the Trump administration, which she endorsed, but noted that he seems to blur the lines between political posturing and public administration too often.

“I would handle that on the political front, not in the realm of public service, to ensure that our actions as public servants are focused on governing and delivering for Californians,” Yee stated.

“That’s where I believe we’ve somewhat strayed. We haven’t maintained a consistent focus on that aspect,” she continued.

In conclusion, Yee assigned Newsom a B grade for his performance.

The candidate did shower Newsom with praise for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he was “present” and commanded the situation well. She said Newsom is doing the right thing fighting the Trump administration.

“Any time our funding, our rights and protections, are under attack, we have to push back,” Yee said.

The California Post reached out to Newsom’s office for comment. His office over the years has repeatedly highlighted the Newsom administration’s accomplishments on various issues such as health care and crime, often with framing to criticize what the Trump administration is doing.

Yee is currently polling in the single digits in the California gubernatorial race.

Other Democratic candidates have been more coy around criticizing the governor. Yee was the first Democratic candidate to even give out a grade on Newsom, KCRA noted.

Last month, progressive billionaire candidate Tom Steyer said regarding Newsom that “I haven’t followed it closely enough to give him a grade,” a remark that sparked some head scratches.

Even San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a notable critic of Newsom within the Democratic Party, told KCRA that “it’s not my job to grade the governor.”

The Republicans in the race have been far less reticent, citing the high cost of living in the state chief among their concerns.

“F, the lowest [grade] possible. It’s a total disaster,” said candidate Steve Hilton of Newsom’s governing.

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