Newsom May Run in 2028 After 2026 Midterms

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CBS Sunday Morning he is seriously considering a 2028 presidential run — saying “I’d be lying otherwise” — but will make a final decision only after the 2026 midterms and will weigh whether there is a compelling “why.” He has been raising his national profile through early-state appearances, a podcast, confrontational social media and legal challenges (including suing over federal troop deployments), and he is the chief backer of California’s Proposition 50 to redraw districts. Newsom has frequently clashed with President Donald Trump and is viewed as a leading Democratic critic. Other Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, have also signaled that a 2028 run is possible. Polling shows solid support among many California Democrats but uneven enthusiasm among independents and broader voters, and some critics say he may be prioritizing national ambitions over state duties.