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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he intends to make a decision about whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I would be lying otherwise," the governor commented when asked about contemplating a White House bid post the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

Newsom's current term as California's leader ends in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he emphasized that any choice is not imminent.

"The future will decide," he added.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has come to the forefront as a high-profile critic of the former president's team, employing his social media accounts and pushing a ballot measure that would increase the party's representation in Congress in following redistricting by Republicans. This action has invited attacks from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a recent interview on Fox News. Duffy revealed plans to pull federal funds from California and suggested eliminating the authority to issue trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from the state," he said, after a recent deadly accident in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to three deaths and four injuries.

His administration pointed out that the U.S. government had renewed the driver's employment on several occasions, which permitted him to obtain a trucking license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had previously announced he was holding back additional funds from the state for ignoring English language requirements for CDL holders.

Pointed Reply from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now cabinet member, still doesn't understand national statutes," the governor's team responded in a previous release addressing the funding warnings. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: California truck drivers had a death rate much lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Campaign Considerations

A this month's poll revealed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters indicated that the governor should run for president in 2028. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has risen to an average of about one-third from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an typical level of more than 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom remarked while on a trip several key regions that he had "no clue" about his plans for 2028.

He noted his personal struggles, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The notion that a person who scored 960 on the SAT, who still struggles to read scripts, who was typically not at the front – the idea that you would even throw that out is, alone, amazing," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who emerges in the next election and who answers the call. And that's the question for the American people."