California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed in a recent interview that he is seriously considering running for the U.S. presidency in 2028, with a final decision expected after the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking on CBS News’s Sunday Morning, Newsom said he intends to assess the political landscape before making a formal announcement. “I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up in 2028 and who meets that moment,” he stated, later admitting, “Yeah, I’d be lying if I said otherwise,” when asked directly if he was considering a run.
Throughout this year, Newsom has taken deliberate steps to position himself as a national Democratic figure, testing public sentiment for a possible White House bid. He has gained prominence within the party for openly challenging Republican President Donald Trump on multiple fronts, including federal policy disputes and social issues.
Under the U.S. Constitution, President Trump cannot legally serve a third term, though he has publicly mused about finding “methods” to do so — a comment that has drawn both criticism and debate. Against that backdrop, Newsom’s potential candidacy represents a strategic effort to strengthen Democratic leadership heading into the post-Trump political era.
In recent months, Newsom has also spearheaded initiatives to keep California at the forefront of national Democratic strategy. He has championed efforts to redraw congressional districts to counter Republican gerrymandering tactics, a move aimed at boosting Democratic chances in the 2026 U.S. House elections, where the GOP currently holds a slim majority.
Additionally, Newsom has been vocal in his criticism of President Trump’s military deployment to Los Angeles, framing it as an overreach of federal power. His growing national visibility, combined with his assertive stance on state and federal issues, has further fuelled speculation that the California governor is preparing for a broader political role on the national stage.
