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The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he plans to decide on whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful otherwise," Newsom stated when questioned about contemplating a White House bid after the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

Newsom's current term as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he noted that any decision is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he remarked.

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

He has come to the forefront as a notable opponent of the former president's team, employing his online platforms and pushing a initiative that would expand the party's representation in Congress in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This move has invited attacks from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, alleged that the governor shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday appearance on a major news network. Duffy announced plans to cut taxpayer dollars from the state and threatened suspending the authority to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I'm about to pull $160m from California," Duffy said, after a recently reported tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to fatalities and casualties.

Newsom's office highlighted that the U.S. government had approved the individual's authorization repeatedly, which permitted him to obtain a trucking license under national regulations.

The transportation secretary had earlier stated he was holding back $40 million from California for failing to implement linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand federal law," the governor's team responded in a last month's release responding to Duffy's threats. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A recent poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and 48% of all registered voters believed that Newsom should run for president in the next election cycle. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has risen to an typical level of about one-third from around 30%, while his negative ratings has fallen from an average of more than 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom commented while visiting several swing states that he had "no clue" about his future for the next presidential election.

He mentioned his personal struggles, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The notion that a guy who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, amazing," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I await who steps forward in 2028 and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the American people."