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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has disclosed that he intends to make a decision about whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom stated when asked about giving serious thought to a White House bid post the 2026 elections. "I'd just be lying. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader concludes in January 2027, and term limits prevent another run. Yet, he emphasized that any decision is still years away.

"The future will decide," he added.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has come to the forefront as a prominent adversary of the current federal leadership, using his digital presence and championing a initiative that would boost the party's congressional seats in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This action has invited attacks from political opponents.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom does not care about Californians in a recent segment on a major news network. The secretary announced plans to pull federal funds from the state and warned eliminating the power to grant CDLs.

"I'm about to pull a significant sum from the state," he stated, following a this week's fatal crash in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that led to three deaths and casualties.

His administration noted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the worker's status multiple times, which enabled him to secure a commercial driver's license under national regulations.

The transportation secretary had earlier indicated he was withholding $40 million from California for not enforcing English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"Ex-reality TV personality, now Secretary of Transportation, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office said in a last month's comment responding to the funding warnings. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California CDL holders had a fatal crash rate significantly lower than the national average. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate almost 50% higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A this month's survey showed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and almost half of voters believed that Newsom must consider running for the White House in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has grown to an average of about one-third from around 30%, while his unfavorability has fallen from an typical level of more than 40% to under 40%.

Some time ago, Newsom commented while traveling several swing states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He also referenced his earlier challenges, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – the idea that you would even throw that out 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 remains the key point for the American people."