Gavin Newsom, a prominent member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he will decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections conclude.
"Yes, it would be dishonest if I said no," the governor stated when pressed about seriously considering a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."
The governor's tenure as California's leader concludes in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he emphasized that any decision is a long way off.
"The future will decide," he added.
Increased Visibility as a Trump Critic
He has emerged as a prominent adversary of the former president's team, using his online platforms and pushing a ballot measure that would increase the party's congressional seats in response to redistricting by Republicans. This action has made him a target from political opponents.
Clash on Transportation
The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor does not care about the state's residents in a weekend appearance on Fox News. Duffy revealed plans to pull government money from the state and warned eliminating the state's ability to provide CDLs.
"I'm about to pull $160 million from California," Duffy said, in the wake of a this week's fatal crash in California involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to three deaths and casualties.
His administration pointed out that the national authorities had reauthorized the driver's employment multiple times, which permitted him to secure a CDL under U.S. law.
Duffy had earlier stated he was withholding $40 million from California for ignoring English language requirements for commercial drivers.
Pointed Reply from the Team
"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, continues to misunderstand national statutes," the governor's team responded in a previous comment countering Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a death rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."
Voter Sentiment and Political Future
A this month's poll showed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters said that Newsom should run for president in 2028. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has increased to an average of 33.5% from around 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to 38.4%.
In previous months, Newsom stated while traveling several swing states that he had "no idea" about his future for 2028.
He also referenced his past difficulties, including being found to have a learning disability at the age of five.
"The idea that a person who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – the idea that you would even throw that out is, by itself, remarkable," he commented. "No one can say? I am eager to see who emerges in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the American people."
