🔗 Share this article

The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 after the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a presidential run following the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I'm not."

The governor's current term as governor ends in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he cautioned that any determination is a long way off.

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

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

He has emerged as a notable adversary of the current federal leadership, using his digital presence and pushing a ballot measure that would boost the party's representation in Congress in response to GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism 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 recent appearance on Fox News. The secretary announced plans to pull federal funds from the state and suggested eliminating the authority to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from California," Duffy said, after a recently reported tragic collision in California involving an non-citizen commercial driver that led to loss of life and casualties.

His administration noted that the U.S. government had approved the individual's authorization repeatedly, which permitted him to obtain a commercial driver's license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had previously announced he was holding back additional funds from California for failing to implement language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand federal law," his administration retorted in a previous comment responding to the funding warnings. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we focus on reality: The state's truck drivers had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the only state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that Newsom ought to campaign for president in 2028. After the current administration began, Newsom's favorability has grown to an mean of a third from previous levels, while his negative ratings has dropped from an average of more than 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor stated while traveling several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his future for 2028.

He also referenced his past difficulties, including being found to have a learning disability at the early childhood.

"The notion that a guy who scored 960 on the SAT, 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 U.S. citizens."