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The California governor, a well-known Democratic figure, has revealed that he plans to decide on whether to run for president in 2028 following the 2026 congressional elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful otherwise," the governor remarked when asked about giving serious thought to a presidential run after the 2026 elections. "I'd just be lying. And I won't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader wraps up in early 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he noted that any decision is not imminent.

"The future will decide," he said.

Increased Visibility as a Administration Opponent

Newsom has emerged as a prominent opponent of the current federal leadership, using his online platforms and championing a ballot measure that would boost the party's representation in Congress in as a counter to redistricting by Republicans. This move has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Federal Funding Dispute

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, alleged that Newsom does not care about Californians in a recent appearance on a major news network. The secretary disclosed intentions to pull federal funds from the state and suggested revoking the power to provide CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from California," he declared, following a this week's deadly accident in California involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that resulted in three deaths and four injuries.

The governor's team noted that the national authorities had renewed the driver's employment repeatedly, which allowed him to receive a trucking license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had earlier stated he was withholding $40 million from the state for failing to implement English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Governor's Office

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, continues to misunderstand federal law," his administration retorted in a recent release responding to the secretary's comments. "For now, in contrast to this person, we'll stick to the facts: California truck drivers had a fatal crash rate much lower than the national average. Texas – the only state with additional licensed drivers – has a rate markedly elevated than the state. Statistics are clear. The Trump administration does."

Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects

A recent study showed that nearly three-quarters of Democratic voters and a significant portion of the electorate indicated that the governor must consider running for the White House in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, public support for the governor has grown to an typical level of a third from previous levels, while his negative ratings has dropped from an typical level of more than 40% to current figures.

Earlier this year, Newsom stated while traveling several swing states that he had "no clue" about his plans for the next presidential election.

He noted his earlier challenges, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The idea that a guy who had modest test scores, who has ongoing difficulties with text, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, extraordinary," he said. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who steps forward in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the voters."