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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 once the 2026 midterm elections conclude.

"Yeah, it would be dishonest if I denied it," Newsom remarked when asked about contemplating a White House bid post the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

The governor's tenure as governor wraps up in early 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he cautioned that any determination is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Trump Critic

He has emerged as a prominent critic of the former president's team, employing his online platforms and championing a proposition that would expand Democratic representation in Congress in following redistricting by Republicans. This strategy has drawn criticism from critics.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor does not care about the state's residents in a weekend appearance on Fox News. Duffy disclosed plans to cut federal funds from California and threatened suspending the power to grant CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," Duffy stated, in the wake of a recent fatal crash in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to fatalities and injured individuals.

The governor's team noted that the U.S. government had approved the individual's authorization repeatedly, which allowed him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had previously indicated he was holding back $40 million from California for ignoring language proficiency rules for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand national statutes," the governor's team said in a previous comment addressing Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we rely on data: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate much lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the single state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Campaign Considerations

A this month's poll showed that a majority of the party and almost half of voters indicated that Newsom should run for the White House in 2028. Since Trump took office, his approval ratings has risen to an typical level of 33.5% from previous levels, while his negative ratings has dropped from an mean of over 40% to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom remarked while on a trip several swing states that he had "no idea" about his plans for the next presidential election.

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

"The notion that a person who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, remarkable," he commented. "No one can say? I am eager to see who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that remains the key point for the American people."