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The California governor, a prominent Democratic figure, has revealed that he will decide on whether to run for president in 2028 after the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 elections. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's current term as governor concludes in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he cautioned that any choice is still years away.

"The future will decide," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has come to the forefront as a high-profile opponent of the current federal leadership, using his digital presence and advocating for a ballot measure that would expand Democratic representation in Congress in response to redistricting by Republicans. This strategy has drawn criticism from critics.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a Sunday appearance on Fox News. Duffy disclosed plans to cut federal funds from California and warned eliminating the authority to grant CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," he said, following a recent tragic collision in the state involving an unauthorized commercial driver that caused three deaths and four injuries.

His administration pointed out that the federal government had renewed the driver's employment multiple times, which enabled him to secure a commercial driver's license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had earlier indicated he was holding back additional funds from California for failing to implement English language requirements for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Team

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," the governor's team responded in a recent release countering the funding warnings. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we rely on data: California CDL holders had a accident mortality rate much lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A this month's poll revealed that a majority of the party and almost half of voters said that Newsom ought to campaign for the White House in 2028. In recent years, public support for the governor has grown to an typical level of about one-third from previous levels, while his unfavorability has decreased from an typical level of over 40% to current figures.

Some time ago, the governor commented while on a trip several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The thought that a person who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, in and of itself, extraordinary," he said. "No one can say? I am eager to see who steps forward in the next election and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the U.S. citizens."