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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has revealed that he will determine whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," Newsom stated when pressed about seriously considering a White House bid after the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

The governor's tenure as governor wraps up in January 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he noted that any decision is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

He has stepped forward as a notable critic of the former president's team, using his social media accounts and advocating for a proposition that would boost Democratic representation in Congress in following Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has drawn criticism from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom does not care about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on Fox News. The secretary announced plans to withhold government money from California and warned revoking the power to grant CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," Duffy said, after a this week's tragic collision in California involving an non-citizen trucker that led to three deaths and injured individuals.

His administration pointed out that the U.S. government had reauthorized the individual's authorization on several occasions, which enabled him to secure a CDL under U.S. law.

Duffy had previously indicated he was withholding $40 million from California for ignoring language proficiency rules for CDL holders.

Pointed Reply from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand federal law," Newsom's office responded in a recent comment addressing Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: California CDL holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recently conducted poll revealed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters indicated that the governor must consider running for the White House in 2028. After the current administration began, Newsom's favorability has grown to an typical level of about one-third from around 30%, while his unfavorability has fallen from an typical level of more than 40% to 38.4%.

Some time ago, the governor remarked while traveling several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The thought that a individual who had modest test scores, who continues to find reading challenging, who was often seated at the back – the fact that this is even suggested is, by itself, amazing," he stated. "No one can say? I am eager to see who steps forward in the next election and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the voters."