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Gavin Newsom, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he plans to determine whether to run for president in 2028 once the 2026 midterm elections are over.

"Yes, it would be dishonest otherwise," the governor commented when questioned about contemplating a presidential run post the 2026 ballots. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

The governor's time in office as California's leader concludes in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he cautioned that any determination is still years away.

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

Growing Prominence as a Political Adversary

Newsom has stepped forward as a high-profile adversary of the former president's team, leveraging his online platforms and pushing a proposition that would increase Democratic representation in Congress in response to GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a Sunday segment on a major news network. Duffy disclosed intentions to cut taxpayer dollars from the state and threatened revoking the authority to grant commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from California," he declared, after a recent tragic collision in California involving an undocumented semi truck driver that caused loss of life and four injuries.

The governor's team pointed out that the U.S. government had approved the driver's employment repeatedly, which allowed him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had earlier announced he was holding back $40 million from California for ignoring linguistic standards for truck drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now cabinet member, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," the governor's team retorted in a last month's statement addressing the secretary's comments. "For now, unlike this clown, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers had a accident mortality rate much lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recent survey showed that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters believed that Newsom should run for president in 2028. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has increased to an typical level of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an mean of over 40% to 38.4%.

Some time ago, Newsom stated while on a trip several key regions that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for 2028.

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

"The idea that a person who had modest test scores, who continues to find reading challenging, who was typically not at the front – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, remarkable," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I'm looking forward to who emerges in the next election and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the American people."