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Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, has disclosed that he intends to make a decision about whether to seek the White House in 2028 following the 2026 midterm elections wrap up.

"Absolutely, I couldn't be truthful if I said no," the governor commented when pressed about giving serious thought to a campaign for president post the 2026 elections. "I'd just be lying. And I won't do that."

Newsom's time in office as California's leader ends in the start of 2027, and he cannot run again. But, he cautioned that any decision is not imminent.

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

Rising Profile as a Political Adversary

He has come to the forefront as a prominent critic of the Trump administration, using his online platforms and advocating for a ballot measure that would boost the party's congressional seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This action has drawn criticism from critics.

Controversy Over Funds

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor is indifferent about Californians in a weekend appearance on Fox News. The secretary announced plans to withhold federal funds from the state and threatened suspending the state's ability to provide trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw a significant sum from the state," he said, in the wake of a recent fatal crash in the state involving an undocumented commercial driver that caused fatalities and four injuries.

His administration pointed out that the U.S. government had reauthorized the driver's employment multiple times, which enabled him to receive a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

The transportation secretary had before stated he was blocking additional funds from the state for failing to implement English language requirements for CDL holders.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"Former D-list reality star, now transportation chief, fails to grasp federal law," the governor's team said in a previous release responding to the secretary's comments. "In the meantime, unlike this clown, we focus on reality: The state's CDL holders had a accident mortality rate significantly lower than the national average. Texas – the sole state with more commercial holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Data speaks for itself. The federal leadership misleads."

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

A this month's survey showed that 72% of Democrats and 48% of all registered voters believed that Newsom must consider running for president in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, public support for the governor has increased to an typical level of about one-third from approximately 30%, while his unfavorability has decreased from an average of more than 40% to under 40%.

Some time ago, Newsom commented while visiting several key regions that he had "no idea" about his future for 2028.

He also referenced his personal struggles, including being found to have a learning disability at the early childhood.

"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 – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, remarkable," he stated. "It's anyone's guess? I am eager to see who emerges in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the voters."