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Khan's Campaign Fails Due to Negative Attacks

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 11:45 GMT by San Francisco Chronicle
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - January 30, 2026 - The dust has settled on the California 2nd Congressional District primary, and the results are delivering a stark lesson in campaign strategy: relentless, personalized attacks can be deeply counterproductive. Steve Khan's failed bid for the seat vacated by William Lacy Clay Jr. is being dissected by political experts as a prime example of how focusing on an opponent, rather than on the issues, can alienate crucial voter segments, even in today's highly polarized environment.

Khan, a Republican hoping to capture a swing district encompassing parts of Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, built his campaign around consistent and often scathing criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The logic, according to those close to the campaign, was to galvanize Republican voters by presenting Newsom as a symbol of everything they perceived as wrong with the state - a tactic intended to generate urgency and high turnout. However, the outcome proved decidedly different.

"The strategy was fundamentally flawed," explains Dr. Mark Paulson, a political science professor at California State University, Los Angeles. "While it did energize a core base of Republican supporters, it simultaneously repelled the moderate voters who are essential for success in a swing district. They weren't interested in a constant stream of attacks; they wanted to hear a positive vision for the district and concrete plans to address local concerns."

Khan's campaign messaging centered almost exclusively on Newsom, painting him as the embodiment of failed policies and liberal excess. This approach, while potentially effective in rallying the faithful, failed to address the specific needs and priorities of voters in the diverse 2nd District. Former Democratic strategist Darry Sragow points out, "He was so consumed with Newsom that he neglected to articulate a clear platform addressing the real issues facing the constituents - issues like water scarcity, economic opportunity, and access to healthcare."

The problem wasn't solely about policy; it was also about presentation. Multiple reports and voter interviews described Khan as appearing overly angry and confrontational. Sarah Miller, a Republican voter from Bakersfield, stated bluntly, "He just didn't seem like a likable guy. It was hard to connect with him, and his constant negativity just turned me off." This perception of unlikability proved to be a significant hurdle, hindering his ability to build trust and rapport with potential voters across the political spectrum.

Khan ultimately finished third in the primary, trailing both Democratic candidate Marisa Calderon and Republican candidate Ben Unger. This outcome sparked internal criticism within the Republican Party, with some strategists privately expressing concern that Khan's tactics had damaged their chances of holding the seat. One anonymous Republican strategist admitted, "He went too far. The attacks were too personal and alienated the moderate voters we needed to win."

The Khan campaign serves as a potent case study in the limitations of negative campaigning. While attack ads have long been a staple of political strategy, the current climate demands a more nuanced approach. Voters, increasingly weary of partisan bickering, appear to be gravitating towards candidates who project competence, empathy, and a willingness to collaborate on solutions.

"People are tired of the negativity," Dr. Paulson emphasizes. "They want to see candidates focused on solving problems, not endlessly attacking each other. It's not about avoiding criticism altogether, but about striking a balance between holding opponents accountable and presenting a compelling vision for the future."

The upcoming November special election between Calderon and Unger will likely focus on these substantive issues, offering voters a clearer choice based on policy platforms and leadership qualities. The contrast with Khan's Newsom-centric campaign will be stark, and observers will be watching closely to see whether a more conventional, solutions-oriented approach proves to be more effective. Khan's story is a cautionary tale: in an era of hyper-partisanship, obsessing over the opponent can be a recipe for electoral defeat.