California Governor Gavin Newsom recently said he might run for president after the 2026 midterm elections. In an interview with CBS News, Newsom admitted that he has thought seriously about running for the White House. Although he has denied such plans in the past, this is the first time he has openly said he is considering it.
Newsom, a Democrat, will finish his second term as California governor in early 2027. California law limits governors to two terms. After that, Newsom would be free to run for national office, including president, if he chooses.
Newsom has become a well-known figure in the Democratic Party. He has often spoken out against Republican President Donald Trump and the policies of the Trump administration. Newsom has used social media and national interviews to criticize the President, calling his actions harmful to democracy and the rule of law.
In the past year, Newsom has increased his national activity. He visited South Carolina, an important early primary state, and met with Democratic leaders and activists there. These kinds of visits suggest he is building support for a future presidential campaign. He has also been involved in national legal battles, including a recent court filing against Trump-era tariffs, which Newsom claims hurt California businesses and families.
Another issue Newsom has focused on is redistricting. He is supporting Proposition 50 in California, which would change how congressional districts are drawn. Newsom says the measure is a response to similar efforts in Republican-led states, where critics say district lines are often drawn to favor one party. He argues that fair redistricting is important to protect democracy.
Still, Newsom says he has not made a final decision about running for president. He told CBS that life is unpredictable and that he wants to stay focused on his work as governor for now. But by admitting he is considering a run, Newsom has opened the door to becoming a major player in the 2028 presidential race.
Some early polls show Newsom could be competitive in a future national race. In one poll from Emerson College, he trailed Vice President JD Vance, a Republican, by just one point in a hypothetical 2028 matchup. That result suggests Newsom may have growing support beyond California, especially among Democrats looking for a new leader after years of internal division.
However, Newsom may face challenges if he runs. President Trump has sharply criticized Newsom’s leadership in California, calling him “grossly incompetent.” Many conservatives point to high taxes, rising crime, and homelessness in California as signs that Newsom’s policies have failed. Some Democrats may also prefer other candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has said she is not done with politics and may run again in 2028.
What happens next could shape the political future of the Democratic Party. Voters in California will vote on Proposition 50 in a special election next month. If Newsom wins that fight, it could give him a stronger platform for a national campaign. If he loses, it may raise questions about his ability to lead on a bigger stage.
Either way, Newsom’s comments mark a turning point. He is no longer avoiding questions about running for president. He is thinking seriously about it and taking steps that suggest he wants to be ready. As the 2028 race starts to take shape, Newsom may become one of the Democrats’ top choices—especially if voters are looking for someone with experience, national name recognition, and a clear contrast to the Trump-led Republican Party.
For now, all eyes will be on California and on Newsom’s next moves. His decisions in the coming months could help decide the future direction of the Democratic Party, and possibly the nation.
