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The California governor, a prominent Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 elections conclude.

"Yes, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom stated when questioned about giving serious thought to a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I'm not."

Newsom's tenure as California's leader wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he cautioned that any determination is a long way off.

"Fate will determine that," he said.

Rising Profile as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has stepped forward as a notable opponent of the former president's team, employing his online platforms and championing a ballot measure that would expand the party's House seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This move has invited attacks from critics.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor is indifferent about Californians in a Sunday interview on a major news network. The secretary announced intentions to withhold federal funds from the state and warned eliminating the authority to provide CDLs.

"I intend to cut a significant sum from California," he stated, after a recent tragic collision in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to fatalities and casualties.

The governor's team noted that the federal government had reauthorized the individual's authorization on several occasions, which enabled him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had before indicated he was blocking $40 million from the state for failing to implement English language requirements for CDL holders.

Pointed Reply from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp federal law," the governor's team responded in a recent statement addressing Duffy's threats. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: The state's truck drivers had a fatal crash rate much lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A this month's study revealed that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters indicated that Newsom must consider running for the White House in 2028. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has grown to an typical level of 33.5% from previous levels, while his unfavorability has decreased from an mean of previous highs to current figures.

Some time ago, the governor stated while visiting several swing states that he had "no idea" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He noted his personal struggles, including being found to have a learning disability at the young age of five.

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who continues to find reading challenging, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "Who the hell knows? I await who steps forward in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the American people."