California Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he will consider a presidential run in 2028, following the upcoming midterm elections in November 2026. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Newsom acknowledged that he would be lying if he claimed he had not thought about a potential campaign.
Newsom, a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump, has been actively working to elevate his national visibility. He has adopted a bold communication style that echoes Trump’s social media tactics, utilizing all-caps posts, memes, and merchandise to engage his audience. This approach is part of a broader strategy to position himself as a key figure within the Democratic Party.
The governor has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump, particularly regarding issues like immigration and redistricting. Recently, he has led efforts to redraw California’s congressional maps, aiming to add five additional Democratic seats in response to Texas’s redistricting changes. This initiative is currently under consideration, with voting on Proposition 50 set to conclude on November 4.
“I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment,” Newsom stated during the interview. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections in shaping the future political landscape. The ongoing conflict between Newsom and Trump continues to attract attention. Just last week, Trump agreed to cancel a planned federal show of force in San Francisco, following appeals from local tech executives and the city’s mayor. Newsom previously served as the mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
In his remarks, Newsom described Trump as an “invasive species,” suggesting that his presidency has caused significant damage to various institutions. He stated,
“He’s a wrecking ball. Not just the symbolism and substance of the East Wing. He’s wrecking alliances, truth, trust, tradition, institutions.”
In an effort to broaden his appeal, Newsom launched a podcast earlier this year. The show features discussions with a diverse range of political figures, including late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was once the running mate of former Vice President Kamala Harris.
As Newsom navigates the complex political landscape, his future ambitions may hinge on the outcomes of the midterm elections and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party.
