🔗 Share this article

Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections conclude.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," Newsom stated when pressed about seriously considering a White House bid following the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I'm not."

The governor's time in office as California's leader ends in early 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he cautioned that any choice is not imminent.

"It's up to destiny," he said.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

The California governor has emerged as a prominent critic of the former president's team, employing his digital presence and championing a ballot measure that would boost the party's House seats in response to redistricting by Republicans. This action has drawn criticism from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor shows no concern about the state's residents in a recent segment on a major news network. Duffy announced plans to withhold taxpayer dollars from California and suggested eliminating the authority to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from the state," he said, following a recently reported tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to three deaths and injured individuals.

His administration noted that the federal government had renewed the driver's employment on several occasions, which allowed him to receive a commercial driver's license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had earlier announced he was withholding $40 million from California for ignoring English language requirements for CDL holders.

Firm Rebuttal from the Governor's Office

"Ex-reality TV personality, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office said in a recent statement addressing Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: The state's truck drivers had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the sole state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Statistics are clear. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate said that Newsom should run for the White House in 2028. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has grown to an mean of about one-third from around 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an average of over 40% to 38.4%.

In previous months, the governor commented while on a trip several swing states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for 2028.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The idea that a person who got 960 on his SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – the fact that this is even suggested is, alone, extraordinary," he stated. "No one can say? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the U.S. citizens."