In the hubris following Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, looking at the undeniable public mandate he enjoyed on November 5th, 2024, makes it understandable why previously thought unobtainable wins by Republicans are now thinkable without accusations of having left reality back at the hotel when you’re already at the airport boarding the plane. One such possibility is the California governorship, next up for a vote in 2026 when Gavin Newsom terms out of office. No, really.

While still a long shot, it is not impossible to picture the office once held by Ronald Reagan once again in GOP hands. People, regardless of race or gender, vote with their wallets. Should the economy respond favorably outside of California due to Trump’s policies, while the not-so-Golden State sabotages its chance to enjoy its share of this financial renaissance due to its response to Trump’s election being Gavin Newsom-led efforts aimed at cutting off its nose to spite its face, the right candidate taking his or her message directly and powerfully to the people has a legitimate shot at Sacramento in 2026 while multiple Democrats jockey for position to knife each other in the back in their effort to replace Newsom.

Also coming into play is leading candidates’ penchant for misreading the title of Guns N’ Roses’ debut album and thinking an appetite for self-destruction is the key to success. As Bob Hoge and Sister Toldjah have covered here, Vice President Kamala Harris’ astonishing video from November 26th, 2024, seems more like a crude, blatant attempt at forever ending Harris’ political career than an effort to rally the troops.

Vice President @KamalaHarris’ message to supporters. pic.twitter.com/x5xMUGTtkz

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) November 26, 2024

Here is a transcript for those wanting to avoid sitting through the clip.

I just have to remind you … don’t you ever let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before November 5th, and you have the same purpose that you did, and you have the same ability to engage and inspire. So, don’t ever let anybody or any circumstance take your power from you.

Um… wow.

Harris’ name has been mentioned as a possible entry in the 2026 California gubernatorial sweepstakes along with House Representative Katie Porter. Porter, whose shortcomings have been well-chronicled here (Bonchie did an excellent summary of several of her lowlights in September 2023), has found herself again in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, as she recently obtained a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend. The details are not pleasant.

On Tuesday afternoon, a judge approved an order requiring (Porter’s former boyfriend of several years Julian) Willis make no contact and stay away from Porter and her children until the next hearing in mid-December, according to court documents reviewed by POLITICO. He also granted her request that Willis not contact her current or former employees or co-workers about her. The judge denied Porter’s request for restraining orders for adults she does not live with, including her mother, noting that they would have to apply for their own restraining orders.

Among the missives detailed in the filing are threats to call Child Protective Services to remove her children from her custody, attempts to extort her of thousands of dollars and “defamatory” false allegations including that she had genital herpes. (Porter submitted test results to the court to prove she does not have that sexually transmitted disease.)

Porter, in her declaration, said that Willis is dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues, which have led to Willis undergoing two involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations since 2022.

Yeah, that’s a mess.

There is a spiritual angle to consider. One of Christianity’s hallmarks is embracing the dictum of uncertain origin yet firmly rooted in truth, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” The believer does not take delight in the misfortune of others, even their most determined opponents. Instead, he or she views them as an opportunity to share the Gospel with those in obvious need, mindful that God’s grace alone spares them from similar misadventures. Scripture is replete with examples of humanity at its lowest raised up to serve the almighty God and share in Jesus’ promise of eternal life with Him for those who believe and repent. From Rahab, the prostitute, to the thief dying on the cross next to Jesus during His crucifixion, to Saul (later Paul) persecuting Christians to where he had them put to death until Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus, we see God using the worst to bring about the best of people helping others by doing His work.

While it is impossible to condone sin, be it our own or that in others — Harris and Porter’s unyielding embrace of abortion on demand is unconscionable — it is equally impossible to not offer the same hand of grace to all that Jesus has offered to us. Admittedly, it is a challenge; one can only imagine the immediate reaction of Harris and Porter if a (yuck!) conservative were to walk up to them and start sharing the Good News. Yet, we must share it, for this is our command: to love one another even as Christ loved us and gave His life for us. This includes Democrats. And who knows? We serve an almighty God, One Whose Word is more powerful than any arguments against man can muster. As we read in Hebrews:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Even the fiercest of foes can be led toward, and on, righteousness’ path when he or she embraces the nail-scarred Hands. It’s worth a shot. As is coalescing around a single strong Republican candidate for governor of California in 2026.