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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he will decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, it would be dishonest if I said no," Newsom stated when questioned about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

The governor's current term as California's leader ends in the start of 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. However, he noted that any decision is not imminent.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Trump Critic

He has emerged as a prominent critic of the former president's team, employing his online platforms and advocating for a proposition that would boost Democratic congressional seats in following redistricting by Republicans. This move has made him a target from critics.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor does not care about the state's residents in a recent appearance on a major news network. The secretary revealed intentions to withhold government money from California and warned eliminating the authority to grant trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," Duffy stated, following a recently reported tragic collision in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that resulted in loss of life and injured individuals.

His administration highlighted that the U.S. government had renewed the worker's status multiple times, which allowed him to obtain a commercial driver's license under national regulations.

Duffy had previously stated he was withholding $40 million from California for not enforcing language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand national statutes," his administration responded in a previous statement responding to the secretary's comments. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: California CDL holders had a fatal crash rate much lower than the U.S. average. Texas – the single state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate substantially higher than California. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A this month's poll found that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and almost half of voters believed that the governor should run for the White House in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, public support for the governor has increased to an mean of 33.5% from around 30%, while his negative ratings has decreased from an mean of previous highs to under 40%.

Earlier this year, Newsom commented while on a trip several battleground states that he had "no idea" about his future for the next presidential election.

He noted his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the early childhood.

"The thought that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, extraordinary," he stated. "No one can say? I await who presents themselves in the next election and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the voters."