Caitlyn Jenner, a longtime California resident and Fox News contributor, has a message for the state: it’s time for a change in how we think and act when it comes to leadership and handling crises like the devastating wildfires. Having called California home since 1973, Jenner has witnessed the state’s ups and downs and doesn’t hold back on sharing her thoughts.
When Jenner first saw California’s iconic “Welcome to California, the Golden State” sign back in the ’70s, she had high hopes. But years later, she feels the state has lost its shine. “We’re not gold, silver, or even bronze anymore. We don’t even make the finals,” she quips. So, what’s behind this shift? Jenner points to the politicians in charge.
She believes that the recent wildfire chaos in Los Angeles County is just one example of how California’s leadership has failed to address critical issues ahead of time. Jenner calls out officials for reacting to problems as they arise, instead of being proactive. “It’s like a game of whack-a-mole,” she says. “Every time a new problem pops up, they try to fix it—too little, too late.”
Jenner also criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the wildfires, pointing out that she has experienced the devastation of multiple fires herself. “This is devastating stuff. And they’re not on the offense,” Jenner says, highlighting how the winds only made matters worse. But it’s not just fires that are a problem—California’s water system is another major issue. Jenner reflects on the state’s once-proud California aqueduct project and laments how, over the years, the state has faced a growing shortage of resources.
The wildfires and water crisis expose bigger flaws in the state’s infrastructure, Jenner argues, and it’s all tied to the priorities of California’s leaders. “It’s a shame because there’s so much more we could be doing, but the priorities are all wrong,” she says.
And there’s more: Jenner predicts a shift in California’s political landscape, with the state trending more Republican. She points out how, after Trump’s 2016 victory, the once-solidly blue state has seen a notable shift, with many regions now leaning more conservative. Jenner hopes the recent wildfires will be a wake-up call for Californians to rethink their voting habits.
“I think this fire is going to change people’s thinking,” Jenner says. “It’s situations like this that force change.” She suggests that California is controlled by a few powerful groups—Democrats, unions, and big-money interests—and that it feels like a “big scam” to her.
It’s clear: Jenner believes it’s time for Californians to demand better, more accountable leadership to truly restore the Golden State to its former glory.
