Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday on CBS that he would consider a potential bid for his party's 2028 presidential nomination after the 2026 midterm elections.
Despite earlier speculation that Newsom could be a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, California Gov. stayed evasive until Sunday. During an interview with CBS' “Sunday Morning,” national correspondent Robert Costa watched as Newsom “shot behind a coffee shop” while touring South Carolina, noting that “this guy could run for president.”
“The idea that a guy who scored 960 on the SAT, who still has trouble reading scripts, who always sat in the back of the class, the idea that you even throw him out is extraordinary in itself,” Newsom said. “Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who will emerge in 2028 and who will meet that moment, and that's the question for the American people.”
Costa continued to press Newsom about a potential run, asking whether it would be “fair to say” that the Democratic lawmaker was going to “seriously consider” after the 2026 midterm elections.
“Yes, otherwise I would be lying,” Newsom responded. “I would just lie, and I can’t do that.”
Although Newsom has faced criticism from California voters for years for his policies, including crime And homelessnessThe governor has come under scrutiny after the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County. The incident, which affected the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, resulted in the burning of thousands of homes and the deaths of hundreds of residents. still moved. (RELATED: 'He's a Bitch on the Internet': Anna Paulina Luna Says Gavin Newsom Has Feminine Energy)
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In recent months, Newsom has opposed some progressive policies, facing rebuff from his party after he said the participation of biological males in women's sport was “deeply unfair”. California, however, continues to struggle with high rates homelessness And crime in addition to the growing government role in education.
Despite criticism from his own votersNewsom appears to remain focused on confronting the Trump administration.
The Democratic governor launched a podcast in February 2025, and his press office later stepped up its attacks on X against President Donald Trump and other Republicans. But even with its online presence, many Californians remain skeptical his leadership and priorities.
Berkeley Institute for Governmental Studies vote As of April 2025, 54% of the 6,201 registered voters surveyed believed Newsom was “doing things that would benefit him as a possible presidential candidate,” while only 26% believed he was “running the state and helping solve its problems.”
When Costa asked if he was “getting closer” to “figuring out” his own “why” — which could lead him to officially launch the 2028 campaign — Newsom responded by quoting German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
“Yes, Nietzsche said that if you have a compelling why, you can withstand any how.” So I don't think, I think the biggest problem for anyone running for any office is that people see right through you if you don't have that reason. You’re doing this for the wrong reasons,” Newsom said. “Look, this faith will determine this.”
Emerson College vote As of October 2025, in a hypothetical matchup between Newsom and Vice President J.D. Vance, 46% support Vance, 45% support Newsom, and 10% remain undecided. The poll showed Newsom up three points to Vance one since July.
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