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

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I denied it," the governor stated when asked about seriously considering a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as governor concludes in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he emphasized that any determination is still years away.

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

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has stepped forward as a high-profile opponent of the former president's team, leveraging his digital presence and championing a ballot measure that would expand Democratic congressional seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This move has invited attacks from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday appearance on Fox News. The secretary disclosed a strategy to withhold federal funds from the state and warned revoking the power to grant CDLs.

"I'm about to pull a significant sum from California," Duffy declared, following a this week's fatal crash in California involving an unauthorized trucker that led to three deaths and four injuries.

The governor's team pointed out that the U.S. government had renewed the driver's employment multiple times, which permitted him to obtain a CDL under national regulations.

Duffy had previously announced he was blocking additional funds from the state for ignoring language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Administration

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, fails to grasp national statutes," Newsom's office said in a previous release responding to the secretary's comments. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the only state with more commercial holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Polling Data and Campaign Considerations

A this month's survey revealed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters said that Newsom should run for president in the next election cycle. In recent years, public support for the governor has increased to an mean of about one-third from previous levels, while his unfavorability has decreased from an average of over 40% to current figures.

Some time ago, Newsom stated while visiting several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his future for 2028.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, remarkable," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the voters."