🔗 Share this article

The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to make a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 elections wrap up.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I said no," Newsom commented when questioned about giving serious thought to a White House bid after the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

Newsom's tenure as California's leader ends in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he emphasized that any decision is a long way off.

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

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

Newsom has come to the forefront as a high-profile adversary of the current federal leadership, leveraging his online platforms and advocating for a initiative that would expand Democratic congressional seats in following redistricting by Republicans. This strategy has invited attacks from adversaries.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a weekend segment on Fox News. The secretary revealed intentions to pull federal funds from California and threatened suspending the authority to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I intend to cut $160 million from the state," Duffy declared, in the wake of a recent tragic collision in California involving an unauthorized trucker that caused fatalities and casualties.

His administration highlighted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the driver's employment on several occasions, which permitted him to receive a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had earlier announced he was holding back $40 million from the state for failing to implement linguistic standards for CDL holders.

Firm Rebuttal from the Administration

"Ex-reality TV personality, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand federal law," Newsom's office said in a recent comment responding to Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, as opposed to this individual, we focus on reality: The state's CDL holders had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the national average. Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects

A recent survey showed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters believed that the governor must consider running for president in 2028. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has increased to an typical level of about one-third from approximately 30%, while his negative ratings has fallen from an mean of previous highs to under 40%.

Some time ago, the governor stated while on a trip several swing states that he had "uncertainty" about his future for 2028.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being found to have a learning disability at the young age of five.

"The notion that a individual 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, remarkable," he said. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who steps forward in the next election and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the voters."