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The California governor, a well-known Democratic figure, has indicated that he will decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I denied it," Newsom stated when asked about seriously considering a White House bid after the 2026 ballots. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

The governor's current term as governor concludes in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he noted that any determination is a long way off.

"The future will decide," he added.

Growing Prominence as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has come to the forefront as a notable critic of the former president's team, employing his online platforms and championing a proposition that would increase the party's House seats in response to GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom is indifferent about Californians in a Sunday segment on Fox News. Duffy revealed a strategy to cut federal funds from the state and threatened revoking the state's ability to issue trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from the state," he declared, in the wake of a this week's deadly accident in California involving an non-citizen commercial driver that led to three deaths and four injuries.

His administration noted that the federal government had reauthorized the worker's status multiple times, which allowed him to obtain a CDL under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had previously announced he was blocking $40m from the state for not enforcing English language requirements for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," the governor's team responded in a last month's statement countering the secretary's comments. "For now, unlike this clown, we rely on data: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a death rate much lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the single state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A this month's study showed that a majority of the party and a significant portion of the electorate said that the governor should run for president in 2028. In recent years, public support for the governor has risen to an average of a third from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of over 40% to 38.4%.

In previous months, Newsom stated while traveling several swing states that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for 2028.

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

"The idea that a person who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – the fact that this is even suggested is, by itself, amazing," he said. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the voters."