Newsom signals Potential 2028 Presidential Bid Amid Ongoing Disputes with Washington
SACRAMENTO, CA – california Governor Gavin Newsom is actively considering a run for the presidency in 2028, signaling a potential challenge to a field that could include a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While stopping short of a formal announcement, Newsom has recently discussed his path and qualifications, positioning himself as a potential leader for the Democratic party.
Newsom’s consideration comes as he increasingly clashes with the federal government, most recently over transportation funding. He’s also seen a rise in national recognition and improved favorability ratings as Trump first took office. A CBS poll earlier this month revealed that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters believe Newsom should contend for the White House in 2028.
The governor’s potential candidacy is fueled by a growing profile built on progressive policies in California and increasingly direct engagement in national political debates. Newsom’s office recently criticized Transportation Secretary Pete Duffy for threatening to withhold $40 million from California, alleging Duffy doesn’t understand federal law related to English language requirements for truck drivers. “Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn’t understand federal law,” a statement from Newsom’s office read, further highlighting data showing California commercial driver’s license holders have a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the national average.
Newsom addressed his own background and potential appeal during a recent interview, referencing his childhood diagnosis of dyslexia. “The idea that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, that still struggles to read scripts, that was always in the back of the classroom, the idea that you would even throw that out is, in and of itself, remarkable,” he said. “Who the hell knows? I’m looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that’s the question for the American people.”
As Trump’s entry into politics, Newsom’s favorability has increased to an average of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his unfavorability has decreased from over 40% to 38.4%, according to Decision desk HQ data. Earlier this year, when asked by CBS News about a potential run, Newsom stated, “I have no idea.”
