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The California governor, a prominent member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he will determine whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 midterm elections conclude.

"Absolutely, I would be lying otherwise," Newsom commented when asked about giving serious thought to a White House bid after the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

Newsom's current term as governor ends in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he cautioned that any decision is not imminent.

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

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

The California governor has come to the forefront as a high-profile opponent of the current federal leadership, employing his online platforms and advocating for a ballot measure that would increase the party's congressional seats in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This move has invited attacks from political opponents.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor does not care about the state's residents in a Sunday appearance on Fox News. Duffy disclosed a strategy to withhold government money from California and warned suspending the power to issue CDLs.

"I'm about to pull $160m from the state," he declared, following a recent tragic collision in California involving an non-citizen commercial driver that resulted in fatalities and casualties.

Newsom's office highlighted that the U.S. government had renewed the worker's status multiple times, which allowed him to secure a trucking license under national regulations.

The transportation secretary had previously indicated he was blocking $40m from the state for ignoring English language requirements for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office responded in a recent comment countering the funding warnings. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California CDL holders had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A this month's survey showed that 72% of Democrats and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that the governor ought to campaign for president in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has grown to an average of a third from around 30%, while his negative ratings has dropped from an average of over 40% to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom commented while traveling several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his future for 2028.

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

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was always in the back of the classroom – the idea that you would even throw that out is, by itself, remarkable," he said. "No one can say? I await who presents themselves in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that remains the key point for the voters."