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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has indicated that he plans to make a decision about whether to seek the White House in 2028 once the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yeah, I would be lying otherwise," Newsom commented when questioned about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

Newsom's tenure as governor concludes in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he emphasized that any determination is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he remarked.

Increased Visibility as a Trump Critic

He has emerged as a high-profile opponent of the current federal leadership, employing his digital presence and championing a ballot measure that would boost the party's representation in Congress in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This move has invited attacks from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on a major news network. Duffy announced a strategy to withhold taxpayer dollars from the state and suggested suspending the authority to provide commercial driver's licenses.

"I intend to cut $160 million from the state," Duffy declared, in the wake of a recently reported tragic collision in California involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that resulted in three deaths and injured individuals.

Newsom's office highlighted that the federal government had approved the worker's status repeatedly, which permitted him to receive a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

Duffy had previously announced he was holding back $40m from California for ignoring language proficiency rules for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office responded in a recent statement countering the funding warnings. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we rely on data: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the single state with more commercial holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A recent study found that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters believed that the governor ought to campaign for president in 2028. Since Trump took office, public support for the governor has risen to an average of about one-third from around 30%, while his disapproval has fallen from an mean of over 40% to current figures.

Earlier this year, the governor stated while on a trip several battleground states that he had "no idea" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He also referenced his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The notion that a person who scored 960 on the SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was typically not at the front – the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in the next election and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the American people."