Gov. Gavin Newsom called Wednesday for action to strengthen services for young men and boys, and to address what he calls “an alarming rise in suicides and disconnection among California’s young boys.”

“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence,” Newsom said in a statement, adding that many are “disconnected from community, opportunity and even their own families.”

The directive, which will see state agencies fund programs for young men that focus on behavioral health support, job training and educational services, follows growing recognition among Democrats of a need to better connect with young men and boys ahead of the 2026 midterm election.

More than half of young men between the ages of 18–29 voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election — making a nearly 32

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