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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he intends to determine whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections are over.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I said no," the governor stated when questioned about seriously considering a White House bid after the 2026 midterms. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader concludes in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he noted that any determination is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he added.

Increased Visibility as a Political Adversary

The California governor has stepped forward as a high-profile opponent of the former president's team, employing his social media accounts and championing a proposition that would boost the party's representation in Congress in response to Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has invited attacks from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about the state's residents in a weekend segment on Fox News. Duffy announced plans to cut government money from the state and warned revoking the power to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," Duffy said, following a recent deadly accident in the state involving an unauthorized trucker that caused loss of life and injured individuals.

His administration noted that the federal government had reauthorized the driver's employment multiple times, which allowed him to secure a CDL under federal law.

Duffy had previously announced he was holding back additional funds from California for failing to implement linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand national statutes," Newsom's office said in a previous comment responding to Duffy's threats. "For now, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: The state's CDL holders had a death rate much lower than the national average. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A this month's survey revealed that 72% of Democrats and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that the governor must consider running for president in 2028. After the current administration began, Newsom's favorability has increased to an typical level of 33.5% from around 30%, while his negative ratings has decreased from an typical level of over 40% to 38.4%.

Some time ago, the governor commented while traveling several key regions that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The thought that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he commented. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that remains the key point for the voters."