California Gov. Gavin Newsom to campaign for Biden in Pittsburgh

President Joe Biden’s campaign is calling in reinforcements.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to visit Pittsburgh on Friday to energize the president’s base following his rocky debate performance.

Newsom, a Democrat and one of Biden’s staunchest allies, will join Western Pennsylvania leaders for a rally at 1 p.m.

A press release said Newsom will focus his speech on criticizing former President Donald Trump and claiming that the former president is a threat to democracy and Americans’ fundamental rights and freedoms.

The visit comes amid mounting media speculation that Biden will drop out of the race following his listless debate performance and stagnant poll figures.

In call with campaign staff Wednesday afternoon, though, Biden said he is not leaving the race.

“Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running…no one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win,” Biden said, according to a top aide who posted his comment on the X social media platform.

Newsom has served as a strong surrogate for Biden and the Democratic Party over the last few years. He debated former presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis late last year, and has appeared on several cable news programs to boost the Biden administration.

A liberal who hails from San Francisco, Newsom was elected governor in 2018 and easily brushed back a recall attempt in 2021. He has since become a darling of the Democratic Party, particularly among liberals and has been mentioned as a future presidential candidate.

Newsom and 20 other Democratic governors are meeting with Biden later on Wednesday.

A location for the Pittsburgh-area rally has not yet been announced.