California governor Newsom says he may run for president in 2028

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he may consider running for U.S. president in 2028, telling CBS News that he would “seriously think about it” after next year’s midterm elections.

“Yes, otherwise I’d be lying,” Newsom said when asked if he would contemplate entering the race, adding that “fate will decide.”

Newsom, whose term ends in January 2027 and who cannot seek re-election as governor due to term limits, has been seen by The Economist and Bloomberg as one of the potential successors to Joe Biden after his withdrawal from the 2024 race.

In the interview, Newsom said he is now focused on promoting “Proposition 50,” a California bill that would allow Democrats to redraw congressional districts in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.

The governor, a critic of Donald Trump’s administration, remains in contact with Biden and is close to former President Barack Obama, who supports Proposition 50.

Among potential 2028 Democratic candidates, Bloomberg lists Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, while Republican Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to seek nomination.