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Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he plans to decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," Newsom commented when asked about giving serious thought to a presidential run post the 2026 ballots. "I'd just be lying. And I won't do that."

The governor's time in office as governor wraps up in January 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he noted that any choice is still years away.

"The future will decide," he said.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

The California governor has stepped forward as a notable critic of the former president's team, employing his social media accounts and advocating for a initiative that would boost the party's House seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has drawn criticism from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday segment on Fox News. Duffy announced plans to pull taxpayer dollars from California and warned suspending the power to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from the state," he said, in the wake of a recent deadly accident in California involving an undocumented trucker that resulted in three deaths and four injuries.

Newsom's office highlighted that the federal government had renewed the driver's employment multiple times, which enabled him to receive a trucking license under U.S. law.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was blocking additional funds from California for ignoring linguistic standards for CDL holders.

Pointed Reply from the Administration

"Ex-reality TV personality, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand federal law," the governor's team retorted in a previous statement addressing Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Data speaks for itself. This administration is dishonest."

Polling Data and Campaign Considerations

A this month's poll showed that a majority of the party and 48% of all registered voters indicated that Newsom ought to campaign for president in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, public support for the governor has grown to an average of a third from approximately 30%, while his unfavorability has decreased from an typical level of previous highs to under 40%.

In previous months, the governor stated while on a trip several swing states that he had "no idea" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the young age of five.

"The idea that a person who got 960 on his SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, amazing," he stated. "Who the hell knows? 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."