Comedian Jeff Dye Leaves California, Criticizes Governor Newsom

A prominent comedian has announced his decision to leave California, citing dissatisfaction with the state’s liberal policies under Governor Gavin Newsom. Jeff Dye, who shared his intentions on the podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” expressed his concerns about the direction in which the state is heading, stating he plans to relocate to Texas.

During the podcast, which aired on November 2, 2025, Dye voiced his apprehension about Governor Newsom’s leadership, saying, “Gavin Newsom scares the s*** out of me and I don’t want to be a part of it.” He also pointed to the state’s handling of the devastating fires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles in January as a significant factor in his decision. “Those fires were quite a wake-up call,” Dye added.

Concerns Over Safety and Governance

Similar sentiments about California’s governance have been echoed by other celebrities. Joe Rogan, who moved from Los Angeles to Austin in 2020, recounted his own fears during civil unrest in the city. “When the shit started getting weird in LA and they were burning cop cars on the freeway, that’s when I thought I got to get out of here,” he said.

Dye’s decision is part of a broader trend, as more than 817,000 people left California between 2021 and 2022, according to census data cited by Business Insider. Other high-profile comedians, such as Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe, have also made the move to Texas, attracted by the burgeoning comedy scene in Austin.

The conversation on the podcast also touched on celebrities who threatened to leave the United States if Donald Trump won a second term. While some, like Ellen DeGeneres, followed through on their promises, others have chosen to remain. DeGeneres now resides in the Cotswolds in England with her wife, Portia de Rossi, and has indicated they are staying there permanently due to political shifts in the U.S.

A Shifting Landscape for Creativity

The migration of prominent figures from California reflects a growing sentiment among many residents who feel disillusioned with the state’s leadership and policies. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, relocated to Texas in 2020 after a dispute with California lawmakers. He described the state as becoming “complacent” regarding innovation, suggesting that a change in scenery could inspire a new wave of creativity and productivity.

As more individuals and families consider their options, the allure of states like Texas continues to grow. This shift raises questions about the long-term impacts on California’s economy and cultural landscape, as the outflow of talent could alter the dynamics of the entertainment and tech industries.

Dye’s move, alongside those of other celebrities, underscores a significant shift in the entertainment landscape. The ongoing changes in governance and societal conditions in California have prompted a reevaluation of priorities for many in the industry, leading them to seek new opportunities beyond the state’s borders.