Action sports pioneer says California dream ‘gone the wrong way’ under Newsom
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
FIRST ON FOX: The extreme sports star and entrepreneur is supporting Republican, pro-law enforcement candidate Chad Bianco for governor of California after saying Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom killed the California “dream.”
“People used to come to California to start their own business and chase that dream. Now people are moving out of California to chase that same dream,” said motocross star and “Metal Mulisha” founder Brian Deegan.
Deegan, a motocross pioneer, champion off-road racer and action sports X Games icon, said in an interview with Fox News Digital that he felt compelled to lend his support to Bianco because of the damage politicians like Newsom have done to California.
He explained that he came to California “to chase my dreams, to become a supercross action sports star.” [and] He built a huge empire in the action sports community.” But Deegan said he sees that dream “not receding” under Newsom.
NEWSOM CALLS HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY AS THE ‘SHOPBOY’ OF CALIFORNIA’S FAILURES AS A STATE
Motocross star and “Metal Mulisha” founder Brian Deegan blasted Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for killing his California “dream.” (Courtesy Brian Deegan; Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Aside from what he described as overregulation, Deegan said one of the things he finds most alarming is the decline in safety in California neighborhoods due to a lack of law enforcement.
“A lot of the places I’ve lived in California have really gone in the wrong direction. And now I’m even scared of my kids running loose on the streets because of how lax they are with the laws and how they let criminals get away with almost anything,” Deegan said.
And then there’s Newsom’s handling of the COVID pandemic, in which Deegan said California “led the most extreme lockdowns.”
“Looking back now, we’re like, ‘Man, what happened?’ we ask. he said. “Newsom was very oppressive while he was out partying, everyone was quarantining and still living the high life.”
HOLLYWOOD STAR EXPLAINS WHAT HE THINK ABOUT THE POTENTIAL NEWSOM PRESIDENCY WITH A TWO-WORD ANSWER
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the 2025 New York Times DealBook Summit in New York City on December 3, 2025. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
With Newsom’s term limited and rumors mounting about a possible presidential run in 2028, Deegan said, “Let’s go for it.”
“I think it’s going to make it a lot easier for Republicans to hold that spot,” he said, adding: “It would be a tough road for Newsom to run for president.”
Whichever way Newsom goes, Deegan said, “It’s time for a guy like Chad Bianco to take control of California.”
“I’ve always wondered how guys like Newsom who are in power get into power. Because they don’t really represent the ordinary people who make up the majority of California,” he said. “There’s been so much damage. But to get the state back on track, it takes someone who understands the law, who is unyielding, and who has good family values.”
NEWSOM’S Sanctuary Policies Under Fire After Drunk Illegal Immigrant Kills Old Man
An athlete performs at the Red Bull freestyle motocross show on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Venice, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)
“I’d like to see it go back to what it was. I thought this was a land of opportunity. You came to California to achieve your dreams and I feel like that’s narrowing down a lot,” Deegan added.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“I mean, it’s all here, and I feel like we’ve left it up to how this thing works. And I think the majority of people in California want it back.”
A spokesperson for Newsom asked Fox News Digital, “Who?” He dismissed Deegan’s criticism by sending a one-word response asking:
