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The California governor, a prominent member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he intends to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yes, it would be dishonest if I denied it," Newsom commented when asked about giving serious thought to a presidential run after the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I'm not."

The governor's current term as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he emphasized that any determination is a long way off.

"It's up to destiny," he added.

Rising Profile as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has stepped forward as a high-profile adversary of the current federal leadership, employing his online platforms and pushing a ballot measure that would boost the party's representation in Congress in following redistricting by Republicans. This move has invited attacks from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a weekend segment on Fox News. The secretary announced plans to cut government money from California and warned suspending the authority to issue CDLs.

"I intend to cut a significant sum from California," he said, after a recently reported tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to three deaths and four injuries.

Newsom's office highlighted that the national authorities had renewed the individual's authorization multiple times, which permitted him to obtain a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had earlier stated he was blocking additional funds from California for not enforcing linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, fails to grasp national statutes," the governor's team retorted in a previous comment addressing the secretary's comments. "Meanwhile, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the national average. Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent survey showed that a majority of the party and almost half of voters indicated that the governor ought to campaign for the White House in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has risen to an average of 33.5% from previous levels, while his disapproval has dropped from an average of more than 40% to current figures.

Earlier this year, the governor commented while traveling several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being found to have a learning disability at the young age of five.

"The notion that a individual who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, amazing," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I await who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the U.S. citizens."