California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn are sparring on social media ahead of Newsom’s planned trip to Tennessee.
“Tennesseans have worked too hard to build what we have, and we’re not interested in GavinNewsom‘s failed, radical left policies that have wrecked California,” Blackburn, a Republican running for governor, posted to the X social media platform the afternoon of Feb. 16.
“Spare me, Marsha,” responded Newsom, a Democrat who appears poised for a presidential run.
“Tennessee’s violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation,” Newsom wrote. “Californians make more $, live longer, and are overall happier — while you promote policies that have resulted in lawlessness and higher depression rates. Time to turn Tennessee blue.”
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, listens during Gov. Bill Lee’s speech during Agriculture Day on the Hill at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Blackburn replied that California “is the place of high taxes, the most expensive living, sanctuary for illegal immigrant criminals, and the template for American decline.”
She told Newsom to ask In-N-Out Burger and Oracle why they are moving to Tennessee.
In-N-Out Burger’s headquarters in California will stay open as it plans a corporate expansion to Franklin. The company’s CEO pointed to lower cost of living and a better business environment in Tennessee. Oracle plans to move its headquarters to Nashville from Austin, Texas. It was previously headquartered in Silicon Valley.
Parnassus Books and OZ Arts are hosting a Feb. 21 event with Newsom to discuss his book, “Young Man In A Hurry.” The event starts at 6 p.m. at OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Cir. Information is available online at parnassusbooks.net/event/2026-02-21/gavin-newsom-young-man-hurry.
Newsom is far from a stranger from sparring online with Republicans as he attempts to frame himself as the leading opposition to President Donald Trump. He has made headlines in mimicking Trump’s style on social media, typing in all caps and not shying away from a few insults at his opponents.
Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sen. Marsha Blackburn, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social spat