California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) said he is considering a run for the U.S. presidency in 2028 [1].
The admission signals a potential shift in the Democratic primary landscape as one of the party's most prominent governors weighs a national campaign.
During an interview for MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Newsom discussed the possibility of seeking the office. Journalist April Ryan said the governor's comments were "testing the waters" for the 2028 cycle [2]. When addressing the prospect of a campaign, Newsom said, "I’d be lying otherwise" [3].
However, Newsom's approach to the topic appeared inconsistent during the exchange. While some reports highlight his openness to the bid, other accounts indicate he ducked specific questions about his intentions [4]. In one instance, Newsom responded to inquiries about 2028 by saying, "I need healthcare" [5].
There are conflicting reports regarding when the governor will make a final decision. One source said he may consider a run after the 2026 midterm elections [6]. Another report said he would consider the move following the 2024 midterms [7].
Newsom has not yet filed official paperwork or launched a formal exploratory committee. The interview serves as an early indicator of his ambitions, or a calculated effort to gauge public interest, well ahead of the official primary season.
“"I’d be lying otherwise."”
Newsom's comments suggest he is weighing the political viability of a national campaign while maintaining enough ambiguity to avoid a premature commitment. By hinting at a 2028 run, he positions himself as a primary contender, though the contradictory nature of his responses indicates he is likely monitoring internal party dynamics and midterm outcomes before formalizing his candidacy.
