Gavin Newsom Receives Debate Challenge From Sports Legend

California Gov. Gavin Newsom received a surprising debate challenge from an American sports icon.

Men’s golf legend Phil Mickelson.

“In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common-sense be damned. 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,” Newsom wrote on X.

“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,” Mickelson responded.

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.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025

“I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant,” Mickelson added.

I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025

The Mirror has more:

Mickelson, 55, hasn’t been shy to express his political opinions publicly, increasing in recent weeks in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination at a Utah college campus early last month as he made his feelings known on the situation.

Now, the California native and six-time major champion has set his sights on Governor Newsom, challenging the 57 year old political figure to a debate, leaving his phone number with his office after calling him out on social media while the Ryder Cup was going on. It comes after he recently made an announcement on captaining USA at the Ryder Cup.

Newsom slammed the Trump administration after it announced their intention to slash the billions of dollars in funding for hydrogen projects in California and the Pacific Northwest.

“It would not be combative. It would be informative. I genuinely want to know 1 single reason how Sable restarting won’t benefit every Californian,” Mickelson added.

It would not be combative. It would be informative. I genuinely want to know 1 single reason how Sable restarting won’t benefit every Californian.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025

The Daily Express noted:

The exchange came less than 24 hours after Mickelson posted an “open letter” to Californians demanding support for Sable Offshore, an oil company he has publicly backed. The comments came on the same day that a class action lawsuit was filed against the company, alleging that Sable and some of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or further unlawful business practices.

In the lengthy statement, Mickelson argued that restarting offshore drilling off Santa Barbara would lower gas prices. He added they would reduce foreign dependence, create jobs, and even improve the environment by cutting down on natural oil seepage.

He cited studies from UCSB and state agencies claiming that controlled extraction reduced natural leaks that foul beaches and stress marine life. Mickelson framed the project as a “win-win,”