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Gavin Newsom, a leading member of the Democratic party, has disclosed that he plans to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I said no," Newsom commented when pressed about giving serious thought to a presidential run post the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

The governor's current term as California's leader concludes in early 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. Yet, he noted that any determination is a long way off.

"Fate will determine that," he added.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has come to the forefront as a notable critic of the former president's team, using his online platforms and championing a initiative that would boost Democratic representation in Congress in following GOP gerrymandering. This move has invited attacks from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that Newsom is indifferent about Californians in a weekend appearance on Fox News. The secretary announced plans to pull federal funds from the state and warned eliminating the authority to provide trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from the state," Duffy declared, after a this week's deadly accident in California involving an unauthorized semi truck driver that caused loss of life and casualties.

Newsom's office highlighted that the federal government had renewed the individual's authorization on several occasions, which allowed him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

The transportation secretary had before stated he was withholding $40m from California for not enforcing language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"One-time television figure, now Secretary of Transportation, continues to misunderstand national statutes," Newsom's office retorted in a recent release responding to the secretary's comments. "Meanwhile, in contrast to this person, we rely on data: The state's truck drivers had a death rate nearly 40% lower than the national average. Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A this month's survey showed that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters said that Newsom should run for president in the next election cycle. In recent years, public support for the governor has risen to an average of 33.5% from approximately 30%, while his unfavorability has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to current figures.

Some time ago, the governor remarked while visiting several key regions that he had "no clue" about his future for 2028.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the early childhood.

"The notion 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 fact that this is even suggested is, alone, extraordinary," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the voters."