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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has disclosed that he will determine whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Yeah, it would be dishonest if I said no," the governor commented when asked about giving serious thought to a presidential run after the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I can't do that."

Newsom's current term as California's leader ends in January 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. But, he noted that any choice is a long way off.

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

Growing Prominence as a Trump Critic

Newsom has stepped forward as a notable critic of the Trump administration, leveraging his online platforms and pushing a ballot measure that would increase Democratic congressional seats in following GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has made him a target from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a recent segment on a major news network. Duffy revealed plans to pull government money from the state and suggested suspending the state's ability to issue CDLs.

"I'm about to pull a significant sum from the state," he stated, following a this week's deadly accident in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that led to fatalities and injured individuals.

His administration highlighted that the U.S. government had renewed the individual's authorization on several occasions, which enabled him to secure a commercial driver's license under national regulations.

Duffy had earlier stated he was blocking additional funds from California for failing to implement language proficiency rules for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Governor's Office

"Former D-list reality star, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand federal law," Newsom's office retorted in a recent statement countering Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we focus on reality: The state's truck drivers had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Statistics are clear. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A this month's poll showed that a majority of the party and 48% of all registered voters said that the governor must consider running for the White House in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has risen to an mean of about one-third from around 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an typical level of over 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor commented while visiting several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his future for 2028.

He mentioned his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The thought that a person who got 960 on his SAT, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – the fact that this is even suggested is, alone, remarkable," he stated. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who emerges in 2028 and who rises to the occasion. And that is the issue for the voters."