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The California governor, a well-known member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he intends to determine whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 elections wrap up.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about giving serious thought to a campaign for president after the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I can't do that."

Newsom's tenure as governor concludes in the start of 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. Yet, he emphasized that any choice is a long way off.

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

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

He has stepped forward as a notable critic of the current federal leadership, using his online platforms and championing a ballot measure that would expand Democratic representation in Congress in following GOP gerrymandering. This move has drawn criticism from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor does not care about Californians in a recent segment on a major news network. The secretary announced a strategy to pull federal funds from the state and warned eliminating the authority to issue trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," Duffy said, following a recent fatal crash in California involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to fatalities and injured individuals.

Newsom's office pointed out that the U.S. government had renewed the individual's authorization repeatedly, which permitted him to secure a trucking license under national regulations.

Duffy had earlier stated he was blocking additional funds from the state for ignoring language proficiency rules for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"Ex-reality TV personality, now Secretary of Transportation, continues to misunderstand national statutes," Newsom's office retorted in a previous statement countering Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: The state's truck drivers had a death rate significantly lower than the national average. Texas – the only state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Statistics are clear. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A this month's poll found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and almost half of voters said that Newsom must consider running for president in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has grown to an average of a third from around 30%, while his negative ratings has fallen from an typical level of over 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, Newsom commented while on a trip several swing states that he had "no clue" about his future for 2028.

He also referenced his personal struggles, including being found to have a learning disability at the 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 – the fact that this is even suggested is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he stated. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the U.S. citizens."