1776Reporting
Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels, once a steadfast Californian, believes the state is on the brink of a political transformation. Citing frustration with Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, particularly in the wake of devastating wildfires, Michaels suggests that a Republican resurgence may be on the horizon.
Michaels, best known for her role on “The Biggest Loser,” left California for Florida in 2021. Her departure was fueled by growing dissatisfaction with the state’s governance, especially its handling of natural disasters. Reflecting on her journey, she shared that her political views shifted drastically after the 2018 Malibu fire, which claimed her home.
“It affected my life, and it changed me. And I think you’re going to see that when it touches you, it changes you. And for California, that’s a good thing, because it is in desperate need of reform,” Michaels told NewsNation’s On Balance with Leland Vittert.
A Crisis of Leadership
The recent wildfires engulfing Los Angeles brought renewed criticism of Newsom’s administration. Michaels accused the governor of failing to mitigate the devastation, leaving thousands of residents in financial ruin.
“The reality is that while you’re seeing $20 million mansions flattened, there are thousands of people who are going to be financially devastated by this,” Michaels said. “And that’s what’s deeply upsetting, is so much of this could have been mitigated.”
Her frustrations echo a growing sentiment among Californians questioning the effectiveness of state leadership. The ongoing crisis, she argued, highlights a need for systemic change.
Shifting Political Tides
Michaels pointed to a notable shift in voter behavior during the 2024 Presidential Election, with men across racial demographics leaning further right. She highlighted the influx of Republican votes as evidence of a broader political awakening.
“You saw that the state gained far more red voters in this previous election. I think there’s going to be a change for sure in the next run for governor,” Michaels predicted.
With Newsom’s gubernatorial term ending in 2026 and speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions, California’s political future remains uncertain.
A History of Broken Promises
Michaels also criticized the state’s failure to deliver on long-standing commitments. Proposition One, passed in 2014, allocated $2.7 billion for drought preparedness and water system improvements, including new reservoirs. Yet, nearly a decade later, none have been constructed.
She also referenced AB2330, a wildfire preparedness bill designed to involve multiple agencies in creating proactive measures. Despite months of revisions, Newsom vetoed the bill in September 2024, further fueling frustrations.
“While I hate to make this an issue of red versus blue, I tend to look at this as if California was a company, right? It’s one of the largest economies in the world. You’ve got a bad operator, period. It doesn’t matter what party he belongs to,” Michaels said.
A Call for Accountability
Michaels’ criticism underscores a broader call for accountability and reform in California. As wildfires continue to devastate communities and political dissatisfaction grows, the state faces a pivotal moment. Whether this discontent will translate into a Republican resurgence remains to be seen, but Michaels is confident change is inevitable.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the personal and political consequences of leadership decisions. For Californians, the road ahead may be turbulent, but Michaels believes it’s a path toward much-needed reform.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings