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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has revealed that he intends to decide on whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, I would be lying otherwise," Newsom stated when pressed about seriously considering a White House bid following the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I'm not."

The governor's current term as California's leader concludes in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he emphasized that any determination is still years away.

"It's up to destiny," he said.

Growing Prominence as a Trump Critic

The California governor has stepped forward as a prominent adversary of the current federal leadership, leveraging his online platforms and pushing a proposition that would expand Democratic congressional seats in following Republican redistricting efforts. This strategy has drawn criticism from critics.

Federal Funding Dispute

Donald Trump's transportation chief, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a weekend appearance on a major news network. Duffy disclosed plans to withhold federal funds from California and warned revoking the power to provide CDLs.

"I intend to cut $160 million from the state," he declared, following a recently reported fatal crash in California involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to fatalities and casualties.

Newsom's office highlighted that the national authorities had approved the driver's employment multiple times, which permitted him to obtain a trucking license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had previously stated he was withholding $40m from California for ignoring linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"Ex-reality TV personality, now cabinet member, still doesn't understand national statutes," Newsom's office responded in a previous release responding to the secretary's comments. "For now, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: The state's CDL holders had a death rate significantly lower than the national average. The state of Texas – the single state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Data speaks for itself. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Campaign Considerations

A this month's study revealed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate believed that Newsom ought to campaign for president in the next election cycle. In recent years, his approval ratings has risen to an mean of a third from previous levels, while his negative ratings has decreased from an typical level of previous highs to under 40%.

Earlier this year, the governor remarked while traveling several battleground states that he had "uncertainty" about his plans for the next presidential election.

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

"The thought that a guy who had modest test scores, who still struggles to read scripts, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, remarkable," he stated. "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 is the issue for the American people."