California Governor Gavin Newsom has, at last, pulled back the curtain on his presidential ambitions, confirming in a series of recent interviews that he is seriously considering a run for the White House in 2028. While he’s stopped short of declaring an official campaign, Newsom’s candid remarks—aired on CBS News Sunday Morning and echoed in several major outlets—have left little doubt about his intentions. "Yeah, I'd be lying otherwise," Newsom admitted when asked if he was contemplating a presidential bid. "I'd just be lying. And I'm not — I can't do that."
Newsom’s term as governor is set to end in January 2027, thanks to California’s strict term limits, meaning he cannot seek a third consecutive term. This looming deadline has fueled speculation for months, especially as Newsom has taken steps that many see as laying the groundwork for a national campaign. According to CBS News, the governor has swung through early-voting states like South Carolina, where he met with Democratic leaders, rallied activists in coffee shops, and even helped serve espresso drinks—hardly the typical fare for a sitting governor, but unmistakable signs of someone testing the waters beyond California.
In these appearances, Newsom has honed his debate skills and broadened his appeal, launching a podcast titled "This is Gavin Newsom," which has featured not only Democratic stalwarts but also prominent conservative voices like the late Charlie Kirk and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. His willingness to engage with ideological opponents has drawn both praise and skepticism, but it’s clear Newsom relishes the political sparring. "I love people. I actually love people," he told CBS News during his South Carolina visit, sounding every bit the retail politician.
Yet, for all his public visibility, Newsom insists that any decision about a presidential run is still a ways off. "Fate will determine that," he mused, adding, "I have no idea." He’s quick to point out his own unlikely political journey, referencing personal challenges like dyslexia and a less-than-stellar SAT score. "The idea that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, that still struggles to read scripts, that was always in the back of the classroom, the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, extraordinary. Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the American people."
Newsom’s recent moves have not gone unnoticed by the Democratic Party, especially as other high-profile figures begin to position themselves for 2028. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously passed on a gubernatorial run in California, recently told the BBC, "I am not done," signaling her own openness to another White House campaign. Harris elaborated, "I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones. And there are many ways to serve. I’ve never listened to polls." Other potential Democratic contenders include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Despite the long list of possible candidates, Newsom has carved out a distinct niche as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump and the current Republican leadership. In recent months, he’s become a vocal opponent of federal deployments and increased ICE activity in California, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He’s also supported and promoted California Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would allow the state to temporarily modify congressional district boundaries in response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states. Newsom has cast this effort as a defense of democracy, telling supporters, "I think it's about our democracy. It's about the future of this republic. I think it's about, you know, what the Founding Fathers lived and died for, this notion of the rule of law, and not the rule of Don."
The stakes for Proposition 50 are high, with a special election scheduled for November 4, 2025. Newsom has warned that Republican victories in the midterms could cement a House majority for the GOP and, in his words, usher in a "third term" of Trump’s influence via Speaker Mike Johnson. As he explained on CBS, "If you have a Speaker Johnson, we may have a third term of President Trump, I really believe that. Finally, you have rebalanced the system, coequal branch of government begins to assert itself, it appears again."
Newsom’s confrontational style isn’t limited to policy battles. His social media presence has taken on a combative, often satirical tone, with posts that mimic Trump’s signature capitalization and Truth Social bravado. According to The New York Post, his team has even launched "The Patriot Shop," selling merchandise styled after Trump’s "Make America Great Again" branding, complete with tongue-in-cheek Bible-themed items. These tactics have drawn both criticism and admiration, reflecting Newsom’s willingness to punch back hard at his political adversaries and capitalize on progressive frustrations.
Notably, Newsom’s relationship with President Joe Biden has been steadfast. Even as some Democrats called for Biden to step aside in 2024, Newsom remained a loyal defender, campaigning for him across the country and maintaining what he described as "no daylight" between himself and the president. According to CBS News, Newsom and Biden have stayed in close contact since Biden left office, and Newsom has also received support from former President Barack Obama, who joined him on a video call to back Proposition 50.
Yet, as Newsom’s national profile rises, so too does the scrutiny. The Justice Department recently announced plans to supervise the upcoming California special election, as well as the New Jersey gubernatorial election, in an effort to "ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law." Newsom, however, has denounced the move as a form of intimidation, reminiscent of Trump-era tactics. "Don't think for a second we're not going to be seeing more of that through Election Day," he warned supporters, referencing the increased presence of federal agents like ICE and Border Patrol in the state.
For now, Newsom insists his focus remains on the 2026 midterms and helping Democrats retake the House of Representatives. But the signs are unmistakable: the podcast, the state visits, the policy battles, and the sharpened public persona all point toward a leader ready to step onto the national stage. Whether fate, as he puts it, will carry him to the White House remains to be seen. But as the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape, Gavin Newsom’s name is sure to be front and center—whether he likes it or not.
As the political landscape shifts and new contenders emerge, the coming years will reveal whether Newsom’s unconventional journey and combative style resonate with voters beyond California, or if the next chapter in his career takes yet another unexpected turn.
