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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to determine whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Yes, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom commented when pressed about contemplating a presidential run after the 2026 ballots. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader wraps up in early 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. Yet, he cautioned that any decision is still years away.

"The future will decide," he added.

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

He has stepped forward as a high-profile critic of the current federal leadership, leveraging his online platforms and championing a ballot measure that would increase Democratic House seats in response to Republican redistricting efforts. This action has invited attacks from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom shows no concern about Californians in a Sunday appearance on a major news network. The secretary disclosed a strategy to withhold taxpayer dollars from California and threatened suspending the state's ability to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from California," he declared, following a recent fatal crash in California involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that caused loss of life and injured individuals.

The governor's team highlighted that the federal government had approved the worker's status on several occasions, which permitted him to secure a commercial driver's license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had previously announced he was blocking $40 million from the state for ignoring linguistic standards for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Governor's Office

"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," his administration said in a previous comment responding to the funding warnings. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the national average. Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recently conducted study showed that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters indicated that Newsom must consider running for the White House in 2028. After the current administration began, Newsom's favorability has risen to an average of about one-third from previous levels, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of previous highs to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, Newsom commented while traveling several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his future for 2028.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being found to have a learning disability at the early childhood.

"The idea that a guy who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he said. "Who the hell knows? I await who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the American people."