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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has indicated that he intends to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 once the 2026 congressional elections are over.

"Absolutely, it would be dishonest if I said no," the governor remarked when pressed about contemplating a White House bid following the 2026 elections. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader concludes in early 2027, and he cannot run again. However, he noted that any choice is a long way off.

"The future will decide," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has come to the forefront as a prominent critic of the former president's team, using his online platforms and pushing a initiative that would boost the party's House seats in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This strategy has made him a target from political opponents.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom is indifferent about the state's residents in a weekend interview on Fox News. The secretary disclosed a strategy to withhold federal funds from California and warned revoking the state's ability to grant trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," Duffy declared, following a recent fatal crash in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that caused loss of life and casualties.

The governor's team highlighted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the individual's authorization repeatedly, which enabled him to secure a trucking license under national regulations.

Duffy had before stated he was holding back additional funds from the state for not enforcing language proficiency rules for truck drivers.

Strong Response from the Administration

"Former D-list reality star, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand U.S. regulations," Newsom's office said in a recent release addressing the funding warnings. "In the meantime, as opposed to this individual, we focus on reality: The state's commercial driver's license holders had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Public Opinion and Political Future

A recent poll found that a majority of the party and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that the governor should run for president in 2028. Since Trump took office, Newsom's favorability has risen to an typical level of a third from around 30%, while his disapproval has dropped from an average of over 40% to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor remarked while traveling several swing states that he had "no clue" about his future 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 thought that a person who scored 960 on the SAT, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was always in the back of the classroom – the idea that you would even throw that out is, by itself, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who presents themselves in the next election and who rises to the occasion. And that's the question for the U.S. citizens."