Whenever I see Gavin Newsom, the same question comes to mind.

Is this person politically lucky, or does he truly have remarkable resilience?

First, let's consider the 'luck' aspect. In 2020, while he was aggressively pushing COVID-19 measures, it became known that he attended a gathering at the upscale restaurant French Laundry, which drew fierce criticism.

For most politicians, that would have been a fatal blow. In fact, a recall election was held in 2021.

However, the outcome was a much more comfortable victory than expected.

Many believe this was partly due to his opponent.

Larry Elder, a conservative radio host, emerged as a Republican alternative, and moderate voters leaned towards "at least Newsom is better."

It's also important to note that California is a state where Democrats have a clear advantage. If he had made the same mistake in a battleground state, the story might have been different.

The presence of President Trump was, in some ways, a stroke of luck.

As Newsom clashed directly with Trump, his national profile grew. The bigger the opponent, the more formidable the challenger appears.

However, it's not enough to explain it all as luck. Newsom has not shied away during crises; instead, he has expanded his influence.

At the end of the recall election, he clearly defined the battle lines by pushing for vaccine mandates for teachers and healthcare workers, ultimately becoming the second governor in U.S. history to win a recall election.

In fact, this competitive spirit has been evident for a long time.

Back in 2004, during his time as mayor of San Francisco, he issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples, knowing it would conflict with state law.

At the time, it was considered a reckless decision that could jeopardize his political career, but over time, it became a symbolic moment for him.

This pattern of making risky choices that later become assets began then.

The 2025 Proposition 50 is similar.

The demand from voters to temporarily overturn the independent redistricting commission they created 15 years ago was quite a risky gamble.

Yet, it passed with about 64% to 36%, and Newsom quickly became a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

Of course, there are clear criticisms. From the perspective of someone living in San Jose, looking at housing prices, rent, and homelessness, it's hard to say that the past eight years have been satisfactory.

The Republicans will likely exploit this point on the national stage.

Mocking Trump's style on social media may be satisfying for supporters, but it can come off as trivial to others.

Ultimately, this is my thought: luck comes to everyone once or twice, but seizing it every time is skill.

Newsom has had luck on his side during crises, and he has been resilient enough not to let it slip away.

Whether you like him or not, it's rare to see a politician who seems to rise to the occasion time and again.

I believe this is why even his critics cannot easily dismiss him.

His term as governor ends in January next year.

He has also stated that he will seriously consider running for president after the midterm elections.

Yesterday was that midterm election.

Now, it's time to see if his luck and resilience will resonate beyond California.