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Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure, has revealed that he will decide on whether to run for president in 2028 once the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Yes, it would be dishonest if I said no," Newsom commented when pressed about giving serious thought to a White House bid following the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's time in office as governor concludes in January 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he cautioned that any determination is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Trump Critic

He has come to the forefront as a notable adversary of the Trump administration, leveraging his digital presence and championing a ballot measure that would boost the party's House seats in response to GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a weekend appearance on a major news network. The secretary disclosed plans to withhold taxpayer dollars from California and threatened revoking the power to issue CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," he declared, following a this week's fatal crash in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that caused three deaths and casualties.

His administration noted that the federal government had renewed the driver's employment multiple times, which enabled him to receive a CDL under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had earlier indicated he was blocking additional funds from California for not enforcing English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Pointed Reply from the Governor's Office

"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office retorted in a recent comment addressing Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent survey revealed that a majority of the party and almost half of voters indicated that the governor must consider running for president in 2028. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has risen to an average of a third from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an mean of over 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor remarked while visiting several swing states that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for 2028.

He mentioned his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the young age of five.

"The notion that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – the fact that this is even suggested is, by itself, extraordinary," he commented. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the U.S. citizens."