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Gavin Newsom, a well-known member of the Democratic party, has indicated that he intends to determine whether to seek the White House in 2028 after the 2026 elections conclude.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," the governor commented when questioned about seriously considering a presidential run post the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I won't do that."

Newsom's current term as governor wraps up in early 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he emphasized that any determination is a long way off.

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

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

He has come to the forefront as a notable opponent of the Trump administration, using his social media accounts and championing a ballot measure that would increase the party's representation in Congress in following GOP gerrymandering. This action has invited attacks from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday appearance on a major news network. Duffy revealed plans to cut government money from California and warned revoking the power to grant trucking licenses.

"I'm about to pull $160m from California," Duffy declared, following a recent deadly accident in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that led to loss of life and four injuries.

The governor's team highlighted that the national authorities had renewed the individual's authorization on several occasions, which permitted him to obtain a CDL under federal law.

The transportation secretary had previously announced he was withholding $40m from the state for ignoring English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office said in a recent release responding to Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the countrywide rate. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Data speaks for itself. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recent study found that a majority of the party and almost half of voters said that the governor must consider running for the White House in 2028. After the current administration began, public support for the governor has increased to an typical level of about one-third from approximately 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to current figures.

In previous months, Newsom commented while visiting several swing states that he had "no idea" 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 guy who had modest test scores, who continues to find reading challenging, who was always in the back of the classroom – the idea that you would even throw that out is, by itself, amazing," he said. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in the next election and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the American people."