🔗 Share this article

The California governor, a well-known member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he plans to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," Newsom remarked when pressed about contemplating a campaign for president after the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I can't do that."

Newsom's current term as California's leader ends in early 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he noted that any decision is still years away.

"The future will decide," he remarked.

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

He has come to the forefront as a notable critic of the current federal leadership, employing his social media accounts and pushing a proposition that would boost Democratic congressional seats in response to GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has made him a target from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday segment on a major news network. Duffy announced intentions to cut government money from California and threatened suspending the power to provide commercial driver's licenses.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," he stated, following a this week's deadly accident in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to fatalities and four injuries.

The governor's team noted that the federal government had reauthorized the worker's status multiple times, which permitted him to secure a trucking license under national regulations.

Duffy had previously stated he was withholding $40m from the state for failing to implement linguistic standards for truck drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now Secretary of Transportation, fails to grasp federal law," his administration said in a last month's comment responding to Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: The state's truck drivers had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the only state with more commercial holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A this month's study found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate believed that Newsom should run for the White House in the next election cycle. In recent years, public support for the governor has increased to an typical level of 33.5% from around 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom commented while visiting several key regions that he had "no clue" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He mentioned his personal struggles, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the early childhood.

"The idea that a person who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, amazing," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who steps forward in the next election and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the American people."