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The California governor, a prominent member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he will determine whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections are over.

"Yes, I would be lying if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a campaign for president post the 2026 ballots. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I can't do that."

Newsom's tenure as governor ends in early 2027, and he cannot run again. Yet, he noted that any determination is still years away.

"Fate will determine that," he remarked.

Rising Profile as a Political Adversary

The California governor has stepped forward as a notable adversary of the former president's team, using his online platforms and pushing a initiative that would increase Democratic congressional seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This move has made him a target from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, accused that Newsom shows no concern about the state's residents in a Sunday interview on a major news network. Duffy announced plans to pull government money from the state and suggested revoking the state's ability to provide commercial driver's licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," he stated, after a recent deadly accident in the state involving an unauthorized trucker that caused loss of life and four injuries.

The governor's team noted that the federal government had renewed the individual's authorization on several occasions, which allowed him to receive a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had previously announced he was blocking $40 million from the state for not enforcing language proficiency rules for CDL holders.

Strong Response from the Administration

"Former D-list reality star, now cabinet member, still doesn't understand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office retorted in a previous comment addressing the secretary's comments. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we'll stick to the facts: The state's truck drivers had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate substantially higher than California. Facts don't lie. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recent survey showed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate said that the governor ought to campaign for the White House in the next election cycle. In recent years, Newsom's favorability has risen to an mean of 33.5% from around 30%, while his disapproval has decreased from an average of more than 40% to 38.4%.

In previous months, Newsom commented while on a trip several key regions that he had "uncertainty" about his intentions for 2028.

He noted his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The notion that a individual 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, by itself, remarkable," he stated. "Who the hell knows? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in the next election and who answers the call. And that is the issue for the American people."