🔗 Share this article

Gavin Newsom, a leading member of the Democratic party, has disclosed that he intends to decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, I would be lying otherwise," Newsom stated when questioned about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

Newsom's current term as California's leader concludes in January 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he emphasized that any choice is not imminent.

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

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

He has emerged as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, employing his digital presence and pushing a ballot measure that would increase Democratic representation in Congress in following redistricting by Republicans. This action has drawn criticism from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom does not care about the state's residents in a recent interview on Fox News. The secretary announced intentions to cut government money from the state and threatened suspending the power to issue CDLs.

"I'm about to pull $160 million from the state," he said, following a recently reported tragic collision in California involving an undocumented trucker that resulted in fatalities and four injuries.

Newsom's office highlighted that the U.S. government had renewed the driver's employment repeatedly, which allowed him to receive a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had previously indicated he was withholding additional funds from the state for ignoring English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand national statutes," Newsom's office retorted in a last month's comment responding to the funding warnings. "For now, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A this month's study showed that 72% of Democrats and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that Newsom must consider running for the White House in 2028. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has risen to an typical level of a third from previous levels, while his unfavorability has dropped from an mean of more than 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom stated while on a trip several swing states that he had "no idea" about his plans for 2028.

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

"The thought that a guy who scored 960 on the SAT, who still struggles to read scripts, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, remarkable," he commented. "It's anyone's guess? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the voters."