Newsom Will Consider 2028 Presidential Run After 2026 Midterms/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ California Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed he is seriously considering a run for president in 2028 but says he’ll make a final decision after the 2026 midterm elections. The two-term Democrat, known for his vocal criticism of President Donald Trump, is steadily raising his national profile through high-profile policy battles, media appearances, and a recently launched podcast.
Key Points at a Glance:
- 2028 White House Run? Newsom says it would be dishonest to deny he’s thinking about it.
- Timing: He’ll make a decision after the November 2026 midterm elections.
- Trump Rivalry: Newsom continues to position himself as a sharp counterweight to President Trump.
- Redistricting Battles: He’s pushing back against Republican-led gerrymandering with California’s own aggressive redistricting plan.
- Media Strategy: He mimics Trump’s style on social media—using memes, capital letters, and merchandise to gain traction.
- Podcast Outreach: Newsom is trying to brand himself as a centrist voice through conversations with both conservative and progressive figures.
- Quote: “[Trump] is a wrecking ball… He’s wrecking alliances, truth, trust, tradition, institutions.”
Newsom Says He’ll Consider 2028 Presidential Run After 2026 Midterms
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES — California Governor Gavin Newsom said this weekend that he plans to seriously consider running for president in 2028, but only after next year’s midterm elections.
During an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” Newsom was asked if it’s fair to say he’s weighing a future White House bid. His response was candid:
“I’d be lying otherwise.”
The second-term Democrat, who is term-limited in California, has not been shy about raising his national visibility — or about clashing with President Donald Trump. From online jabs to policy pushbacks, Newsom has emerged as one of Trump’s most persistent critics on the left.
But he insists he’s not rushing a decision.
“I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. That’s the question for the American people,” Newsom said.
From Governor to National Player
In recent months, Newsom has used a mix of traditional politics and bold media tactics to expand his national reach. His communications team has leaned into a playbook reminiscent of Trump’s own — posting meme-laden content, selling campaign-style merchandise, and using all-caps social media posts to stir attention.
He’s also taken a public stance on national issues, including the controversial redistricting in Texas. Trump-backed efforts to redraw political maps in that state have led to accusations of voter suppression. In response, Newsom has supported Proposition 50, a California ballot initiative aiming to rebalance the U.S. House by adding five Democratic seats through aggressive redistricting.
Voting on the proposition concludes on November 4, and it’s seen as both a legislative strategy and a test of Newsom’s national influence.
A Feud With Trump That’s Far From Over
The political back-and-forth between Newsom and Trump shows no signs of cooling. Last week, Trump paused a planned deployment of federal law enforcement to San Francisco after objections from local officials and tech executives — a move that still triggered criticism from Newsom, who served as San Francisco’s mayor from 2004 to 2011.
In his CBS interview, Newsom didn’t hold back.
“Trump is an invasive species,” Newsom said. “He’s a wrecking ball. Not just the symbolism and substance of the East Wing,” referring to Trump’s controversial demolition of part of the White House to build a new ballroom.
“He’s wrecking alliances, truth, trust, tradition, institutions.”
Building a Broad Political Brand
To further establish his voice in the national conversation, Newsom launched a podcast earlier this year, aimed at engaging voters across the political divide. His guest list has included a wide ideological range — from former Trump strategist Steve Bannon to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a rising Democratic star from Texas.
Perhaps most notably, Newsom also interviewed the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a college speaking tour earlier this year.
Through the podcast, Newsom says he wants to show that meaningful dialogue across partisan lines is still possible — and position himself as a centrist voice capable of leading a politically fractured nation.
The effort appears to be working. As Democrats search for new leadership following the party’s 2024 loss to Trump, Newsom has emerged as one of the few high-profile voices willing to take the fight directly to the president while still attempting to unify a splintered electorate.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.