Gavin Newsom Admits He May Run for President in 2028 — What It Means

California Governor Gavin Newsom admits he might run for US president in 2028 After years of speculation and denying the possibility, California Governor Gavin Newsom finally admitted that he may be open to running for president of the United States in 2028. This month, Newsom has done several interviews where the topic of being president came up. On Sunday, Newsom interviewed with Robert Costa at CBS, where he was asked about his 2028 presidential plans. Acosta asked Newsom if it was fair to say that he would consider a run for the White House after the upcoming midterms. ‘The well has run dry’: California SNAP benefits officially end Nov. 1 if shutdown continues In response, Newsom said, “I’d be lying (if I said) otherwise.” On Oct. 25, Newsom went on the “All the Smoke” podcast, where he seemingly justified his presidential consideration by saying, “(Trump is) literally putting America in reverse. I can’t take what is going on. I mean no bullsh**t. Literally, I can’t take it.” ICE arrests Yuba City man after fatal DUI big rig crash kills three in Southern California For many years, many people have speculated that Newsom was plotting to run for president in the near future. However, Newsom has always denied the allegations. Despite national interviews, campaigning in states such as South Carolina, debating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and launching full-on social media attacks against President Donald Trump, Newsom has always denied the possibility and said he was focused on California. But now, his responses are different. After the CBS interview, Newsom sat down on CNN with Elex Michaelson, and further elaborated on presidential plans. Michaelson called the California governor out for constantly expressing zero interest in running for president. “Everything changed,” Newsom said. “I just think we’re on the other side of something radically different.” Newsom continued, “My mindset, my focus, my energy, my perspective on the world we’re living in – Trump and Trumpism – What he represents – And how serious and precious this moment is. So from that perspective, legitimately, I’ve changed. This country has changed, and I’m calling it out. I just feel like we have a responsibility to be a little bit more clear and concise, and precise in our efforts.” Newsom said he only began to think about the presidency recently after it was brought to his attention by a few people. “It was never on my bingo card. I didn’t grow up thinking ‘one day I’ll be this person’,” Newsom said. A poll from Emerson College and Nexstar Media earlier this month showed that a hypothetical 2028 presidential election between Newsom and Vice President JD Vance would be neck and neck nationally, with 10% undecided.
Newsom’s shift: from California-focused to presidential possibility

After years of denying interest in a White House bid, California Governor Gavin Newsom has acknowledged he might consider running for president in 2028. The change in tone came during a series of high-profile interviews this month, where Newsom signaled that mounting concerns about national leadership and the political landscape have altered his calculations.

What he said and where

In a CBS interview with Robert Costa, Newsom was asked if it was fair to say he would consider a run after the upcoming midterms. He replied candidly:

“I’d be lying (if I said) otherwise.”

On the “All the Smoke” podcast, Newsom framed his thinking as a reaction to what he described as a reversal under former President Trump:

“(Trump is) literally putting America in reverse. I can’t take what is going on. I mean no bullsh**t. Literally, I can’t take it.”

And on CNN with Elex Michaelson, Newsom said the country has changed and that his mindset and priorities have shifted. “Everything changed,” he said, adding that his decision-making has been influenced by outside voices: “It was never on my bingo card. I didn’t grow up thinking ‘one day I’ll be this person.'”

Why this matters

Newsom’s openness carries several implications for the Democratic field and the wider presidential landscape:

  • Democratic primary dynamics: If Newsom runs, he would compete with other potential Democratic contenders for fundraising, endorsements and primary voters. His entry could reshape a field that may include incumbents, former officials and rising stars.
  • General election narrative: Newsom’s style is razor-sharp on cultural and policy battles. He would likely center his messaging on reversing policies he attributes to Trumpism and on defending democratic institutions.
  • Nationalization of a state governor: Newsom has already spent time campaigning and debating in states like South Carolina. That national footprint would accelerate if he pursues a presidential campaign full-time.
Political context and precedent

Newsom is not new to national attention. He has sparred with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, taken aim at former President Trump on social media, and participated in statewide and national interviews. For years, he insisted his focus was California. Now, his language has shifted from categorical refusals to conditional openness, reflecting a broader trend where governors and state leaders test national viability from the midterm cycle forward.

What the polling says

Recent polling gives a snapshot of how Newsom might perform in a hypothetical 2028 matchup. An Emerson College and Nexstar Media poll showed a head-to-head scenario between Newsom and Vice President JD Vance was statistically close, with roughly 10% of voters undecided. While polls this far out are preliminary, they show Newsom has name recognition and a base of support that could make him a viable contender.

Practical considerations for a run

Several practical questions would determine whether Newsom launches a campaign:

  • Timing: Will he wait for post-midterms clarity or begin exploratory moves sooner?
  • Fundraising and infrastructure: National campaigns require national networks. Newsom’s fundraising strength in California is strong, but he would need to build deeper ties in swing states.
  • Policy platform: Does he emphasize progressive priorities aligned with California policies, or pivot to more broadly appealing national positions?
  • Party dynamics: How will party leaders and key constituencies react if multiple high-profile Democrats enter the race?
Potential obstacles and criticisms

Newsom would face several challenges if he pursues the presidency:

  • Governance record: Opponents will scrutinize California’s crises, budget decisions and policy outcomes.
  • Political attacks: Both primary rivals and general election opponents could frame him as out-of-touch or too closely tied to a blue-state agenda.
  • Competition within the party: A crowded primary can drain resources and expose divisions.
What to watch next

If Newsom is seriously considering a 2028 bid, expect the following developments over the next 6–12 months:

  • Increased national travel and fundraising appearances
  • Surrogates and advisors quietly testing messages and coalitions in key states
  • Polling in more matchups against likely Republican nominees
  • Signals from Democratic leaders about preferred timing and support
Bottom line

Gavin Newsom’s admission that he might run for president in 2028 transforms speculation into a plausible scenario. Whether he ultimately launches a campaign will depend on political calculations, party dynamics and how the national landscape evolves after the midterms. For now, Newsom has moved from categorical denial to public consideration, making him a figure to watch as 2028 approaches.

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