Newsom to consider 2028 presidential bid, decision after 2026 midterms

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he will give serious consideration to running for president in 2028, telling interviewers this week that he will make a decision after the 2026 midterm elections. The remark, made in an interview taped Thursday in San Jose, came as Newsom, who is barred by term limits from seeking another term as governor, described the decision as one that remains years away.

Asked whether he was contemplating a White House bid, Newsom replied, "Yeah, I'd be lying otherwise," and said the ultimate outcome was not yet settled. His second term ends in January 2027, removing the option of another statewide run and opening the door for a post-governorship national campaign should he choose to pursue one.

Newsom has taken a number of steps this year that political observers interpret as testing the waters. He has traveled to early primary states, including an appearance in South Carolina, launched a podcast that has featured debate-style exchanges with Republican critics, and used his social media presence to respond forcefully to conservative opponents. He also led a high-profile effort in California to advance a redistricting plan aimed at countering...