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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has indicated that he plans to decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 once the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor commented when asked about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

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

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Trump Critic

He has stepped forward as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, using his digital presence and advocating for a ballot measure that would boost the party's House seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This move has made him a target from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor is indifferent about the state's residents in a weekend segment on a major news network. Duffy revealed plans to pull government money from the state and warned eliminating the state's ability to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from California," Duffy declared, in the wake of a recently reported tragic collision in California involving an unauthorized commercial driver that caused three deaths and four injuries.

His administration noted that the federal government had approved the driver's employment on several occasions, which allowed him to obtain a CDL under U.S. law.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was withholding additional funds from California for failing to implement linguistic standards for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp national statutes," the governor's team retorted in a previous comment responding to Duffy's threats. "For now, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: California CDL holders had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the national average. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Statistics are clear. This administration is dishonest."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent poll found that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters believed that Newsom ought to campaign for the White House in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has grown to an mean of 33.5% from around 30%, while his disapproval has fallen from an mean of previous highs to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom remarked while on a trip several swing states that he had "no idea" about his future for 2028.

He noted his past difficulties, including being found to have a learning disability at the young age of five.

"The idea that a guy 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, alone, amazing," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who steps forward in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that is the issue for the voters."