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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to decide on whether to run for president in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I denied it," Newsom stated when asked about contemplating a White House bid after the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

The governor's time in office as California's leader wraps up in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he emphasized that any choice is still years away.

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

Increased Visibility as a Political Adversary

He has stepped forward as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, employing his online platforms and advocating for a proposition that would expand the party's representation in Congress in as a counter to Republican redistricting efforts. This action has invited attacks from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom is indifferent about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on Fox News. Duffy disclosed plans to cut taxpayer dollars from California and suggested suspending the authority to provide trucking licenses.

"I intend to cut $160m from the state," Duffy declared, following a recently reported fatal crash in the state involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that caused loss of life and casualties.

His administration highlighted that the federal government had reauthorized the driver's employment repeatedly, which enabled him to receive a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had before stated he was holding back $40m from California for failing to implement linguistic standards for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, still doesn't understand federal law," his administration said in a recent comment countering the secretary's comments. "Meanwhile, unlike this clown, we focus on reality: California CDL holders had a accident mortality rate significantly 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 the state. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recently conducted survey showed that a majority of the party and 48% of all registered voters said that the governor must consider running for president in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has increased to an typical level of about one-third from around 30%, while his negative ratings has fallen from an average of previous highs to current figures.

In previous months, the governor remarked while on a trip several key regions that he had "no clue" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He noted his personal struggles, including being identified as dyslexic at the early childhood.

"The idea that a person who got 960 on his SAT, 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, alone, extraordinary," he said. "Who the hell knows? I am eager to see who emerges in the next election and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the U.S. citizens."