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Gavin Newsom, a well-known Democratic figure, has revealed that he will make a decision about whether to seek the White House in 2028 after the 2026 elections are over.

"Absolutely, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom stated when asked about giving serious thought to a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as governor concludes in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he cautioned that any decision is still years away.

"The future will decide," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Political Adversary

The California governor has emerged as a prominent critic of the Trump administration, leveraging his online platforms and pushing a ballot measure that would expand the party's House seats in response to Republican redistricting efforts. This move has made him a target from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom shows no concern about Californians in a weekend appearance on Fox News. Duffy announced plans to pull federal funds from the state and suggested eliminating the power to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I'm about to pull $160 million from California," he declared, in the wake of a recently reported fatal crash in the state involving an non-citizen trucker that led to fatalities and casualties.

The governor's team noted that the federal government had renewed the driver's employment multiple times, which allowed him to receive a commercial driver's license under federal law.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was holding back additional funds from California for failing to implement English language requirements for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, fails to grasp national statutes," the governor's team said in a recent comment addressing Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: California CDL holders had a death rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects

A this month's survey found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate said that Newsom ought to campaign for the White House in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, his approval ratings has grown to an average of a third from around 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an mean of previous highs to under 40%.

In previous months, the governor commented while on a trip several swing states that he had "no clue" about his future for the next presidential election.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The thought that a guy who scored 960 on the SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that remains the key point for the voters."