California's Governor States He Is Weighing a Presidential Campaign for 2028

The California governor, a prominent member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he intends to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I denied it," Newsom remarked when pressed about giving serious thought to a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

The governor's time in office as governor concludes in the start of 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. But, he emphasized that any determination is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he added.

Increased Visibility as a Political Adversary

The California governor has come to the forefront as a prominent adversary of the former president's team, leveraging his digital presence and advocating for a proposition that would expand Democratic representation in Congress in following redistricting by Republicans. This move has drawn criticism from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor is indifferent about the state's residents in a weekend appearance on Fox News. The secretary announced a strategy to pull taxpayer dollars from the state and suggested suspending the authority to provide CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160 million from California," Duffy stated, following a recently reported fatal crash in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to loss of life and injured individuals.

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

The transportation secretary had earlier indicated he was blocking additional funds from the state for failing to implement language proficiency rules for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, continues to misunderstand national statutes," the governor's team responded in a recent comment addressing the funding warnings. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: The state's CDL holders had a accident mortality rate nearly 40% lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Polling Data and Future Prospects

A recently conducted survey found that 72% of Democrats and a significant portion of the electorate believed that Newsom must consider running for the White House in the next election cycle. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has risen to an average of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an mean of over 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, Newsom commented while on a trip several swing states that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his personal struggles, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the young age of five.

"The thought that a person who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who emerges in 2028 and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the U.S. citizens."