California Governor Gavin Newsom says he’s seriously thinking about running for president in 2028.
In an interview aired Sunday on CBS News Sunday Morning, Newsom confirmed that a White House bid is on his mind — though he hasn’t made any final decisions yet.
“Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise,” he admitted when asked directly about his presidential ambitions. “I’d just be lying. And I’m not — I can’t do that.”
Newsom’s second term as governor wraps up in January 2027, and California’s term limits prevent him from running again. That timing could open the door for a national campaign. Still, Newsom said he’ll likely wait until after the 2026 midterm elections before making any official announcements.
“Fate will determine that,” he said.
The 58-year-old governor has spent the past year quietly building national connections — including trips to key battleground states like South Carolina, which will kick off the 2028 Democratic primary calendar. During a stop there in July, Newsom met with party leaders, chatted with locals at coffee shops, and even jumped behind the counter to serve espresso — a move straight out of the campaign playbook for someone testing the waters.
“I happen to, thank God, be in the right business,” he said about his hands-on approach. “I love people. I actually love people.”
For now, Newsom insists his focus remains at home. He’s currently campaigning for Proposition 50, a California ballot measure that would let Democrats temporarily redraw congressional districts to favor their candidates. Supporters say it’s a response to states like Texas, which have pushed to make district maps more favorable to Republicans. Voters will decide the issue in a special election this week.
Meanwhile, other big Democratic names are also eyeing 2028. Vice President Kamala Harris, another Californian, recently told the BBC she isn’t done with national politics.
“I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones,” Harris said.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Biden, is also rumored to be considering a run.
As the next presidential race slowly begins to take shape, Newsom’s remarks add another layer of intrigue to the Democratic field — one that could feature some familiar faces from California. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.
