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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Absolutely, I would be lying if I said no," the governor remarked when asked about seriously considering a presidential run after the 2026 ballots. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader wraps up in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he emphasized that any determination is not imminent.

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

Rising Profile as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has emerged as a prominent adversary of the Trump administration, leveraging his online platforms and pushing a ballot measure that would boost Democratic congressional seats in as a counter to Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has made him a target from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom does not care about the state's residents in a Sunday segment on Fox News. The secretary announced intentions to cut federal funds from the state and warned suspending the state's ability to issue CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from California," Duffy said, following a recently reported deadly accident in the state involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that caused fatalities and injured individuals.

Newsom's office pointed out that the federal government had reauthorized the driver's employment repeatedly, which permitted him to receive a commercial driver's license under national regulations.

The transportation secretary had previously stated he was withholding additional funds from California for not enforcing English language requirements for truck drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand national statutes," the governor's team responded in a last month's comment addressing Duffy's threats. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: The state's CDL holders had a death rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A recently conducted poll found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and almost half of voters indicated that Newsom should run for president in 2028. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has grown to an average of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an typical level of over 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom stated while on a trip several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for 2028.

He mentioned his personal struggles, including being found to have a learning disability at the early childhood.

"The idea that a person who got 960 on his SAT, who still struggles to read scripts, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I'm looking forward to who emerges in the next election and who meets that moment. And that remains the key point for the American people."