🔗 Share this article

The California governor, a well-known Democratic figure, has disclosed that he will make a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Absolutely, it would be dishonest otherwise," the governor remarked when asked about seriously considering a White House bid after the 2026 ballots. "I'd just be lying. And I won't do that."

Newsom's tenure as governor ends in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he emphasized that any choice is a long way off.

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

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has emerged as a notable adversary of the current federal leadership, employing his social media accounts and advocating for a ballot measure that would expand Democratic House seats in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This strategy has made him a target from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor does not care about Californians in a weekend interview on Fox News. Duffy disclosed plans to cut government money from the state and warned suspending the state's ability to provide commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from the state," Duffy stated, following a recent tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized trucker that resulted in loss of life and casualties.

The governor's team noted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the driver's employment on several occasions, which permitted him to receive a CDL under federal law.

Duffy had previously indicated he was withholding additional funds from California for not enforcing English language requirements for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office responded in a last month's comment countering Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate much lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent study showed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that Newsom must consider running for president in 2028. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has increased to an average of 33.5% from around 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an mean of over 40% to under 40%.

Some time ago, Newsom commented while traveling several swing states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He also referenced his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The idea that a individual who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was typically not at the front – the fact that this is even suggested is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he stated. "No one can say? I await who presents themselves in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that is the issue for the American people."