California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing an unlikely but high-profile challenger to his clean energy agenda: legendary golfer Phil Mickelson.
The six-time major championship winner and San Diego native stunned political watchers Wednesday night when he publicly challenged Newsom to a town hall debate, offering to meet “anytime and anyplace” to discuss California’s controversial offshore energy projects.
“If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace,” Mickelson posted on X. “Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts.”
The invitation came just hours after Newsom blasted President Trump’s plan to cancel billions in green energy subsidies, including hydrogen projects in California and the Pacific Northwest. Bloomberg first reported that the Trump administration is scrapping nearly $8 billion in funding tied to hydrogen hubs, wind, and solar programs in states with a left-leaning demographic.
If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace. Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts.
https://t.co/8LB1rgeewz
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025
Newsom, who has made his national profile by championing renewable energy mandates, took to social media to denounce the move. “In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common-sense be damned,” the governor wrote. “We’ll keep chasing an all-of-the-above clean energy strategy to power our future and clean our air — no matter what politicians in DC try to dictate.”
But Mickelson wasn’t impressed. The PGA icon, who has lived in California for decades, fired back that the state’s leaders have ignored serious concerns about offshore drilling projects like Sable Offshore — and he wants Newsom to answer questions directly.
I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025
Mickelson even revealed that he personally reached out to the governor’s office. “I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant,” Mickelson wrote in a follow-up post, punctuated with a crossed-fingers emoji.
DORAL, FL – APR 6: Phil Mickelson, captain of HyFlyers, walks the first green during the final round of LIV Golf Miami on April 6, 2025 at Trump National Doral.
The spat highlights the growing friction between Trump’s White House, which is pulling back billions in subsidies for renewable projects, and Democratic leaders like Newsom who have tied their political futures to green energy. White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed that the administration is moving quickly to cut projects in Democratic strongholds as part of broader funding reductions driven by the shutdown.
Hydrogen hubs along the West Coast were among the first casualties. Now, Mickelson’s challenge puts a celebrity twist on the political showdown.
A California sports hero beloved across political lines is demanding the governor explain how his plans square with economic and environmental realities. Though Mickelson has never run for office, he has never shied away from political or financial debates.
Over the years, the golfer has openly criticized California’s high taxes and even considered moving out of the state at one point. His latest comments reflect a frustration shared by many Californians who feel Sacramento is out of touch with everyday costs.
Offshore projects, such as Sable Offshore, have been criticized by critics for being rushed through without sufficient public input — a point Mickelson clearly wants addressed in front of voters. Newsom’s office has not yet responded to Mickelson’s offer.
If the governor accepts, the matchup could provide one of the most unusual political spectacles in recent memory: a world-famous athlete and California’s top Democrat squaring off over energy policy.
, 2025-10-02 17:20:00, , Trending Politics Conservative Breaking News and Commentary, %%https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-tp-fav-2-32×32.png, https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/feed/, Chris Powell
