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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has disclosed that he plans to make a decision about whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 elections conclude.

"Yeah, I would be lying if I denied it," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a White House bid post the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as governor wraps up in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. However, he cautioned that any determination is a long way off.

"The future will decide," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Administration Opponent

The California governor has emerged as a prominent critic of the current federal leadership, employing his online platforms and advocating for a initiative that would increase Democratic congressional seats in response to Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has invited attacks from adversaries.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that Newsom is indifferent about the state's residents in a weekend appearance on Fox News. Duffy announced intentions to withhold federal funds from California and threatened revoking the state's ability to issue commercial driver's licenses.

"I intend to cut $160m from California," he said, after a this week's tragic collision in California involving an undocumented commercial driver that resulted in fatalities and injured individuals.

His administration highlighted that the national authorities had renewed the worker's status on several occasions, which allowed him to receive a CDL under national regulations.

Duffy had earlier stated he was withholding $40m from California for failing to implement English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Governor's Office

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," his administration said in a recent comment addressing the funding warnings. "In the meantime, in contrast to this person, we focus on reality: The state's truck drivers had a death rate nearly 40% lower than the U.S. average. Texas – the sole state with more commercial holders – has a rate substantially higher than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A recent survey found that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters believed that Newsom ought to campaign for the White House in 2028. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has risen to an typical level of about one-third from around 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an average of over 40% to 38.4%.

Earlier this year, the governor stated while visiting several swing states that he had "no clue" about his intentions for the next presidential election.

He also referenced his past difficulties, including being found to have a learning disability at the young age of five.

"The notion that a person who scored 960 on the SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, amazing," he commented. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who steps forward in the next election and who answers the call. And that remains the key point for the American people."